The Gilded Age Season 3 Cast: 12 Shocking Returns And New Stars Joining The HBO Drama
The Gilded Age Season 3 is officially set to premiere on Sunday, June 22, 2025, bringing the opulence, drama, and intense social maneuvering of 1880s New York back to HBO and Max. This highly anticipated third installment not only promises to continue the fierce rivalry between the old money and the new but also introduces an array of fresh faces and significant historical figures who will shake up the established hierarchy of Manhattan society. Fans are eager for the latest updates on who is returning to the grand ballrooms and who will be making their debut in Julian Fellowes’ lavish period drama.
As of late December 2025, production is in full swing, and the confirmed cast list reveals that all your favorite New York socialites, dynastic builders, and aspiring journalists will be back. The biggest news includes the return of the entire core ensemble, alongside the introduction of several celebrated actors taking on pivotal new roles, including a legendary American financier and a compelling new family that will expand the series' exploration of the Black elite in the era.
The Gilded Age Season 3: Confirmed Returning Main Cast & Character Profiles
The success of the series hinges on the powerful performances of its ensemble cast, and Season 3 sees the return of the central players. Their stories—from Bertha Russell's relentless pursuit of social domination to Marian Brook's quest for purpose—will continue to drive the narrative forward.
- Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell: The ambitious and formidable wife of George Russell. Season 3 will likely see her cementing her position at the very top of New York society, possibly facing new rivals or tackling the challenges of her children’s futures.
- Morgan Spector as George Russell: The ruthless railroad tycoon. His business dealings and political influence are expected to grow, potentially bringing him into contact with real-life historical titans like J.P. Morgan.
- Cynthia Nixon as Ada Forte (née Brook): Now married to the Reverend Luke Forte, Ada’s newfound happiness and independence will be a major focus. Her character arc has been one of the most celebrated transformations of the series.
- Christine Baranski as Agnes Van Rhijn: The stern, old-money matriarch. Her commentary and resistance to the new social order remain a source of both humor and tension.
- Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook: The young, kind-hearted protagonist. Marian’s romantic and professional aspirations continue, as she navigates the restrictive customs of the Gilded Age.
- Denée Benton as Peggy Scott: The talented writer and journalist. Peggy’s story, which explores the world of the Black elite and publishing in Brooklyn, is set to expand further, introducing new family dynamics.
- Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell: Bertha and George’s daughter, who is starting to come into her own as a young woman in society.
- Harry Richardson as Larry Russell: The Russell son, an aspiring architect who is often caught between his family's expectations and his own artistic desires.
- Blake Ritson as Oscar Van Rhijn: Agnes's son, whose financial and personal life remains complicated following his failed marriage attempts.
- Simon Jones as Bannister: The Van Rhijn butler, a key figure in the downstairs drama.
- Jack Gilpin as Church: The Russell butler, managing the sprawling household staff.
- Laura Benanti as Susan Blane: The wealthy widow from Season 2, confirmed to return, suggesting her relationship with Oscar may continue.
Major New Cast Members and Historical Figures Joining the Ranks
The third season is set to introduce several high-profile characters, with Julian Fellowes continuing his tradition of blending fictional drama with real-life historical figures and Broadway legends. These additions promise to inject fresh conflict and intriguing subplots into the New York tapestry.
The most significant new additions include:
The Kirkland Family: Expanding Peggy Scott's World
A new, prominent family will be introduced, deepening the narrative thread focusing on the Black elite in New York and Brooklyn, particularly around Peggy Scott’s life and career. This storyline provides critical topical authority by exploring the parallel society of successful African Americans during this period.
- Phylicia Rashad as Elizabeth Kirkland: A major addition whose role is expected to be central to Peggy’s personal or professional life. Rashad is a celebrated actress known for her iconic roles.
- Brian Stokes Mitchell as Frederick Kirkland: A renowned Broadway star joining the cast, likely as the patriarch of the Kirkland family.
- Jordan Donica as Dr. William Kirkland: Another addition, whose character may have a direct connection to Peggy or the wider Black community in the city.
Titans of Industry and New York Society
Season 3 will bring one of the most powerful men in American history directly into the narrative, confirming the show’s commitment to historical realism.
- Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan: The legendary American financier and banker. His introduction suggests a major storyline involving George Russell’s business empire and the high-stakes world of industrial finance in the late 19th century.
- Merritt Wever as Bertha's Estranged Sister: A compelling new character that promises to delve into Bertha Russell’s pre-New York past and family history, potentially revealing secrets or new vulnerabilities for the 'new money' queen.
- Leslie Uggams as Ernestine Brown: A veteran actress whose role is listed as Ernestine Brown, adding another layer of depth to the supporting cast, possibly in the Brooklyn storyline.
- Victoria Clark: Another confirmed cast addition, though her specific role remains under wraps, she is a celebrated Broadway performer, indicating a high-quality new character.
The Narrative Focus: What the Cast Changes Reveal About Season 3
The composition of the Season 3 cast provides significant clues about the direction of the plot. The addition of the Kirkland family, featuring a trio of esteemed actors, strongly indicates a major expansion of Peggy Scott’s world and a deeper exploration of the Black community's experiences, ambitions, and challenges during the Gilded Age. This move is a crucial step in providing a more complete picture of New York society beyond the white elite.
Furthermore, the casting of Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan signals that the economic and political stakes for George Russell will be higher than ever. The clash between the Russell fortune and the established power of figures like Morgan, who controlled vast segments of American industry, is a narrative goldmine. Bertha’s quest for social dominance may now be tied directly to her husband’s high-stakes financial battles.
The inclusion of Merritt Wever as Bertha's estranged sister is perhaps the most intriguing personal development. Up until now, Bertha Russell has been defined by her forward-looking ambition, rarely mentioning her past. This character will force Bertha to confront her origins, potentially creating a rift in her seemingly impenetrable facade and providing a fascinating new dynamic for Carrie Coon to explore. This kind of personal drama is essential for maintaining the show's topical authority and humanizing its most powerful character.
While the cast is largely returning, one notable absence is the confirmed exit of an unnamed star, though the focus remains on the powerful returns and exciting new characters. With the Season 3 premiere date set for June 22, 2025, fans have a thrilling wait ahead to see how these new and returning players will navigate the glittering, yet cutthroat, world of 1880s New York.
Detail Author:
- Name : Trevion Kuhn
- Username : mauricio.kozey
- Email : ned.ortiz@considine.com
- Birthdate : 1980-05-23
- Address : 47512 Hammes Path Suite 640 Christaberg, CT 52240-4332
- Phone : (802) 992-0532
- Company : Bode-Hill
- Job : Automotive Glass Installers
- Bio : Qui et nihil earum ut. Illo cupiditate eum maxime molestiae. Esse veritatis nam ut voluptatem. Voluptatem sit aspernatur sequi deleniti aut.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/effertzl
- username : effertzl
- bio : Expedita maxime sint et veniam sit.
- followers : 3551
- following : 779
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/loyeffertz
- username : loyeffertz
- bio : Aspernatur labore veniam aut eum sunt. Cumque voluptatem aut sint.
- followers : 1401
- following : 2980
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/loy_official
- username : loy_official
- bio : Qui minus aut voluptates fugiat aut nam eos quaerat.
- followers : 495
- following : 191
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/loy_dev
- username : loy_dev
- bio : Aliquam voluptas voluptas aspernatur optio et. Id commodi et beatae aut provident ab laboriosam dicta. Et animi dolor corrupti ex autem culpa.
- followers : 3727
- following : 957
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@effertzl
- username : effertzl
- bio : Dolorem dolorem quis omnis consequuntur ducimus.
- followers : 1799
- following : 704
