​​The American Gilded Age was a period of economic boom, where fortunes were made and lost in the late 1800s after the end of the Civil War. This was a period of economic change, industrial and technological advances, and conflict between the old ways and new systems. The Gilded Age starts in 1882 with our heroine, Marian Brooks moving to New York and instantly finding herself in the middle of the social war between old and new money.

Marian Brook

The lead of The Gilded Age is Marian Brook played by Louisa Jacobson. Marian was born to the old Brook family of Pennsylvania and after the death of her father, she has been left penniless, forcing her to live with her estranged aunts in New York. Although new to the city, it is clear that Marian is descended from “old New York.” Although kindhearted, Marian has no problem challenging the elite society’s norms and wants more for her life than her fate to marry rich.

Peggy Scott

Peggy Scott, the young and ambitious writer is played by Denée Benton. Peggy was born in Brooklyn and went to school at the prestigious ‘Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.’ Haunted by her past, Peggy decided to leave Pennsylvania and return home. When Peggy meets Marian they are both at a crossroads and form a close friendship. Peggy becomes the secretary for Marian’s aunt as a thank you for helping with her niece.

Bertha Russell

The great Carrie Coon is beautiful as Bertha Russell. Mrs. Russell comes from the middle class and with the success of her husband, now finds herself amongst the elite. Having just moved into their newly completed mansion, Mrs. Russell will stop at nothing to break into the society that is resistant to change. Coon does her best work here since the underrated HBO masterpiece The Leftovers.

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George Russell

Morgan Spector plays Mrs. Russell’s husband, George Russell. Mr. Russell represents the classic robber barons of the time and is considered “new money.” He is the son of a merchant family and has proven himself to be a financial genius. Mr. Russell is a ruthless businessman who has made millions in the railroads and will do anything for his family.

Oscar van Rhijn

Blake Ritson plays Marian’s cousin Oscar van Rhijn. Oscar is intelligent, charismatic, mischievous, and enjoys witty banter. He is one of the few who can stand up to his mother and never listens to her advice, causing her a great deal of frustration. Oscar has become obsessed with money and has decided it is time to settle down with a wealthy heiress who will allow him to live “properly,” while also giving him the ability to hide his secrets.

Agnes van Rhijn

The incredible Christine Baranski (The Good Fight) plays Oscars’ mother and Marian’s aunt Agnes van Rhijn (née Brook). Agnes is a proud and stubborn matriarch of the Brook house. She is considered the “Grand Dame of Upper Fifth Avenue” and screams old money. The socialite has a keen and watchful eye for those who do not belong. Agnes, a widow, will never accept that the world is changing and that her ancient values are being replaced with new ideas.

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Ada Brook

Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon plays Agnes’ sister Ada Brooks. As Ada never found a husband, she is forced to rely on her sister’s charity. She has a gentle heart and is not naturally confrontational, but she will stand up for what she believes in if she has to. Ada serves as the moral center of the Brooks residence and a confidant to Marian.

Gladys Russell

Taissa Farmiga (who gave a great performance in American Horror Story) plays the Russell’s daughter, Gladys. Gladys is a character type that is perfect for historical period pieces, as she is the classic, innocent, and lovely daughter of the wealthy. She is tired of being treated like a child and longs to make her debut in society. Gladys is independent and defiant of her overbearing mother, who continues to use her as a tool for her own ambition.

Larry Russell

Harry Richardson plays the Russell’s only son, Larry. Larry Russell is debonair, good-natured, and charming. A recent graduate of Harvard University, Larry is eager to make his own way in the world, separate from his father’s. Larry is very protective of his little sister, Gladys, and is his mother’s Achilles’ heel. Like his sister, Larry is a classic child of the rich as he does not care about money because he’s always had it. Now back under his parent’s roof, Larry is meeting all the right people while he tries to figure out what path to take.

HBO recently announced that The Gilded Age will return for season two. Fans are excited to see where this new season will take our heroine Marian and whether she will be able to survive in the cutthroat society of the elite. Fans should not have to wait too long, as The Gilded Age has already started filming.