The Gilded Age cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the HBO period drama?

When The Gilded Age first hit screens with its corseted drama and architectural grandeur, it promised more than just a glimpse behind the heavy drapes of New York’s elite.

It depicted a character-rich world filled with rivalry, ambition, and social warfare. Now three seasons in, Julian Fellowes’ HBO series has gathered an ensemble cast as impressive as the Fifth Avenue mansions it depicts.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the intricate web of characters, from old money to new, upstairs to downstairs, consider this your official society guide. Not only will you learn who's who, but also where you’ve seen these talented actors before (because yes, that maid was in The Time Traveler’s Wife). Let’s break it down, room by room.

---

The heiresses, the matriarchs & the movers of Manhattan

Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook

She’s the show’s beating heart, a newcomer to high society who doesn’t fully buy into its rules. Jacobson, Meryl Streep’s daughter (talk about a legacy), brings quiet defiance to Marian, who juggles heartbreaks and ideals in a world that demands compromise. She was also recently seen in Materialists (2025), holding her own alongside Dakota Johnson.

Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn

No one delivers withering disdain like Baranski. As the formidable Agnes, a symbol of old money snobbery, she commands every room (and every dinner seating). You might also recognize Baranski from The Good Fight, Mamma Mia!, or simply for being iconic.

Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook (now Forte)

Ada begins as the mild-mannered sister, but her story gains emotional depth as she marries (and soon after loses) Reverend Luke Forte. Nixon, best known as Miranda from Sex and the City, brings quiet resilience to the role.

Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell

She’s not just climbing the social ladder, she’s demolishing it. Bertha is new money with a strategic plan, and Coon’s razor-sharp performance makes her a fan favorite. You’ve probably seen Coon in Gone Girl, The Leftovers, or more recently in The White Lotus Season 3.

Morgan Spector as George Russell

The railroad magnate with iron convictions and a surprisingly soft heart, especially for his wife. Spector lends gravitas to George, part tycoon, part devoted husband. You might recognize him from Boardwalk Empire or The Plot Against America.

---

The change-makers, the outsiders & the heart behind the hype

Denée Benton as Peggy Scott

Peggy embodies everything Marian’s world lacks: ambitious, independent, and deeply connected to the harsh realities of being a Black woman in 1880s New York. Benton elevates Peggy beyond just a character; she represents a movement. Benton previously starred in UnREAL and Our Friend.

Audra McDonald as Dorothy Scott

Mother to Peggy, Dorothy is stern yet supportive and unafraid to speak truth to power. McDonald, a legend in her own right, adds depth and warmth to a role that could’ve easily been just another “concerned parent.”

Harry Richardson as Larry Russell

A charming Harvard graduate with a business side and romantic eyes for Marian. Richardson previously appeared in Poldark and Doctor Thorne; clearly, he has a fondness for period pieces and waistcoats.

Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell

The sheltered daughter of Bertha, Gladys blooms through the seasons, especially when her own ideas about love conflict with her mother’s social ambitions. Farmiga (yes, Vera’s sister) is no stranger to dark corners, having starred in The Nun II and American Horror Story.

Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn

Agnes’ closeted son navigates societal expectations with wit and calculation. His Season 2 downfall is one of the most compelling arcs. You’ve seen Ritson in Da Vinci’s Demons and The Crown.

---

Below the staircase: Staffers, schemes & secret lives

Jack Gilpin as Church

If Bertha is the general, Church is her lieutenant. The Russell butler manages the household with calm precision, and perhaps a touch of quiet judgment.

Taylor Richardson as Bridget

One of the most realistic characters in the series, Bridget, adds depth to the servant storyline. Her Irish immigrant background enriches the show’s class divide.

Ben Ahlers as John “Jack” Trotter

Jack isn’t just a footman, he’s an inventor. With a patent to his name and romantic sparks to spare, he proves that ambition isn’t limited to the drawing room.

Celia Keenan-Bolger as Mrs. Bruce & Kristine Nielsen as Mrs. Bauer

The housekeeper and the cook, respectively, are two quiet powerhouses who keep the Van Rhijn household running, and often bring more warmth than the family upstairs.

---

Cameos, cousins & those causing a stir in Season 3

From Nathan Lane’s charming Ward McAllister to Phylicia Rashad as the stern Mrs. Kirkland, and Bill Camp as the wealthy J.P. Morgan, The Gilded Age doesn’t just include big names, it uses them with purpose. And with Merritt Wever now joining as Bertha’s sister Monica O’Brien, there’s clearly no shortage of exciting additions to keep the social sparks flying.

---

Final thoughts: More than just corsets and conflict

Yes, The Gilded Age is dripping with velvet, crystal, and scandal, but what truly makes it shine is the ensemble. Every role, from heiress to housemaid, feels well-developed, and the actors playing them are a big reason why.

So, whether you’re catching up before Season 3's climax or just trying to keep your Russells straight from your van Rhijns, remember this: in this world, everyone has a part to play, and some of them are stealing the whole show.