A guide to every real-life historical figure on 'The Gilded Age'
Learn about the real-life people in "The Gilded Age," including J.P. Morgan and Consuelo Vanderbilt, as the series intertwines history and fiction.
The Gilded Age, a historic drama series on HBO, showcases a mix of fictional characters and real-life figures from the late 19th century Gilded Age era, a period marked by extreme wealth inequality, progress, immigration, and business ruthlessness. Some of the real-life inspirations behind the show include Alva Vanderbilt, Booker T. Washington, Oscar Wilde, Clara Barton, and Jay Gould.
Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, played by Carrie Coon, is based on Alva Vanderbilt. She was a socialite who married William K. Vanderbilt, a wealthy railroad heir. Alva and her daughter, Gladys (played by Taissa Farmiga), were inspired by Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt. Gladys married a British duke against her will to elevate her family's status and credibility, similar to how Consuelo Vanderbilt married the 9th Duke of Marlborough in real life.
George Russell (played by Morgan Spector) is based on Jay Gould, a notorious robber baron of the Gilded Age. Gould was known for his ruthless and unscrupulous behavior in the railroad industry. Similarly, George is portrayed as unafraid to cross anyone to benefit his bottom line and is depicted as handsome, earning the nickname "Railroad Daddy."
Other real-life inspirations include Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, played by Donna Murphy, the undisputed queen of New York high society during the Gilded Age. Caroline was the leader of the Four Hundred, a group of influential New Yorkers, and was wealthier than her husband due to her family's long-standing wealth. Her youngest daughter, Carrie Astor, has had a recurring role in the series, trying to convince her mother to let the Russells join their elite circle of friends.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
