EXCLUSIVE: HBO‘s The Gilded Age has promoted Jordan Donica and Ashlie Atkinson to series regulars for its upcoming fourth season. The period drama will also welcome 6 new actors to its recurring cast: Taylor Trensch (“Bat Boy: The Musical”), James Scully (You), Dennis Haysbert (24), Maggie Kuntz (“John Proctor is the Villain”), Neal Huff (Mare of Easttown), and Tony Award-winner Bonnie Milligan (Search Party).
In Season 4 of The Gilded Age, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) changed Society at a cost. Now, her family must reckon with the consequences as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) seizes an opportunity to regain her position. Meanwhile, Marian (Louisa Jacobson) forges a new path for herself, and Peggy (Denée Benton) works to be accepted by her future in-laws. In this new era, you must be careful what you wish for.
In the Season 3 finale of the series, Peggy shared a magical moment with Dr. William Kirkland (Donica) at the Newport, Rhode Island, gala, much to the shock and surprise of many. Dr. Kirkland got on one knee and proposed to Peggy without having cleared it with his parents, knowing his mother, Elizabeth (Phylicia Rashad), had opinions that he deserved someone better.
Yes, it was an act of rebellion, but the young doctor truly loves and respects Peggy, and he is ready to stand by her against the world. So, it’s no surprise that in Season 4, Peggy will try to find common ground with William’s parents if there is to be a wedding. But at least she knows that he’s got her back.
Agnes seems to have gotten her spark back after spending last season trying to figure out where she fits in the hierarchy of the family, with her sister Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon) now ranking higher than her. From the Season 4 logline, it appears that the battle between old money and new money may be back in focus, and there’s no doubt that Agnes is a formidable foe.
Speaking of new money, Bertha closed out last season with a possible divorce on the horizon from her husband, George (Morgan Spector). The family’s financial concerns may be in the rearview mirror, but the Russell family matriarch may have focused too intensely on her ambitions in society than on being a wife and mother. The idea of divorced women being respected in such a society in that era was set up by Bertha herself last season; whether or not that will be more centered this season has yet to be seen. Oh, they were so in love in Season 1…
It’s worth remembering that George was very close to death towards the end of last season before his life was saved by Peggy’s beau, Dr. Kirkland. That’s the sort of experience that will change someone forever.
Of the Season 3 cast, those mentioned in the Season 4 logline are the only ones confirmed to be returning thus far. They are: Coon, Baranski, Jacobson, and Benton, as well as Donika and Atkinson, who will reprise her role of Mamie Fish.
Further insight into what surprises the new season may bring, can be found below in the character descriptions for the new recurring cast.
Trensch will play Oliver, a new addition to the van Rhijn household.
Scully as Lee Klein, an artist who sells his first painting at an unforgettable Society event, and an apprentice to the famed artist William Merritt Chase.
Haysbert as Dr. Reginald Harris, William Kirkland’s mentor, who visits New York to fundraise for the Freedman’s Hospital in Washington DC and makes a surprising connection.
Kuntz as Fiona Summers, cousin to the prominent Astors, Fiona is a free-spirited young woman from a good family who is not afraid to explore the limits of convention.
Huff as John D. Rockefeller, the famed businessman and oil tycoon. A thin, self-made man of humble origins, now one of the richest and most powerful in the world. A devout Baptist and philanthropist, he does not always see eye to eye with his fellow robber barons.
Milligan as Mrs. Knapp Curtis, the trailblazing editor of the popular periodical The Ladies’ Home Journal.
The Gilded Age is created, written, and executive produced by Julian Fellowes, with Sonja Warfield serving as writer and executive producer. Additional exec producers include Gareth Neame, David Crockett, director Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kate Churchill, Bob Greenblatt, and Elaine Aronson.
Erica Dunbar serves as historical consultant and co-executive producer. Davita Scarlett and Holly Rymon also co-EP. Bernie Telsey and Adam Caldwell from the Telsey Office serve as casting directors. The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Donica is represented by Bold Management & Production, Independent Artists Group, Curtis Brown Agency, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Atkinson is represented by TalentWorks, Rosier Artist Management, and Peikoff Mahan. Trensch is represented by Innovative Artists and Perennial Entertainment. Scully is represented by Artists & Representatives and Circle Management + Production. Haysbert is represented by IAG and GS Management. Kuntz is represented by The Rosenzweig Group and Verve. Huff is represented by Linden Entertainment and Buchwald. Milligan is represented by CESD Talent Agency and Untitled Entertainment.