The Gilded Age Season 3 Cast: 15+ New & Returning Stars Confirmed For The June 2025 Premiere

The anticipation for the return of Julian Fellowes' lavish historical drama, The Gilded Age, is reaching a fever pitch, and as of today, December 18, 2025, we have a complete and updated picture of the star-studded ensemble for the upcoming third season. This new installment promises to deepen the rivalries between New York's old money and the nouveau riche, led by the indomitable Bertha Russell, while introducing new historical power players and compelling characters to the narrative. The series has not only been officially renewed but also has a confirmed premiere date, making the cast details the freshest news for fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the battle for social supremacy in 1880s New York.

The third season, which will consist of eight episodes, is set to premiere on Sunday, June 22, 2025, on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Production for the season officially began in New York in June 2024 and wrapped in January 2025, ensuring the new episodes are currently in post-production and ready for their summer debut. The confirmed cast list features a spectacular blend of returning Broadway and television legends, alongside a host of exciting new talent ready to step into the period's extravagant costumes.

The Confirmed Returning Main Cast for Season 3

The core ensemble that drives the central conflict between the established New York elite and the ambitious Russell family is all set to return, continuing their complex and interwoven storylines. Their presence ensures the continuation of the show's main thematic elements: social climbing, racial progress, and the clash of tradition and modernity.

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• Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell: The show’s central figure, Bertha is expected to continue her relentless campaign to conquer New York society, likely focusing on new targets after her successful bid to secure a box at the Metropolitan Opera.
• Morgan Spector as George Russell: The railroad magnate and Bertha’s supportive husband, George will return to navigate new business ventures and political challenges, which often intersect with his wife's social ambitions.
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook: Agnes van Rhijn's niece, Marian's personal and romantic life will likely take center stage, continuing her journey toward independence in a restrictive era.
• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott: The talented writer and Marian’s friend, Peggy’s storyline exploring the Black elite and her professional career in journalism and education is a crucial element of the series and will continue with her return.
• Cynthia Nixon as Ada van Rhijn: Now married to the Reverend Luke Forte, Ada’s newfound happiness and independence will be explored, contrasting with her sister's rigid views.
• Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn: The formidable matriarch of the old money faction, Agnes’s dry wit and staunch traditionalism are guaranteed to provide conflict with the rising Russell family.

Other fan-favorite actors confirmed to be returning include Taissa Farmiga (Gladys Russell), Blake Ritson (Oscar van Rhijn), Simon Jones (Bannister), Harry Richardson (Larry Russell), and Audra McDonald (Dorothy Scott), ensuring all major plotlines from the previous season are carried forward.

Major New Characters and Actors Joining the Ensemble

Season 3 significantly expands the world of The Gilded Age by introducing a slate of new actors, many of whom are set to play historical figures or new key players in the social and financial landscape of the 1880s. This influx of talent adds a fresh dynamic to the series, ensuring the drama remains unique and avoids relying on old plot points.

The most buzzworthy addition is the introduction of one of the era's most powerful financiers, a move that will undoubtedly raise the stakes for George Russell's business dealings.

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Historical and Social Power Players

• Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan: Camp, a critically acclaimed actor, will portray the legendary American financier and banker, J.P. Morgan. His presence on the show suggests major financial and industrial conflicts are ahead, potentially pitting him directly against George Russell.
• Merritt Wever as Bertha’s Estranged Sister: Wever, known for her Emmy-winning roles, joins the cast as Bertha Russell's long-lost or estranged sister. This character will likely introduce a deeply personal element of conflict and backstory for Bertha, challenging her carefully constructed social facade.
• Leslie Uggams as Ernestine Brown: The Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress will play Ernestine Brown, a character whose role is currently under wraps but is expected to be part of the burgeoning storylines involving the Black community and Peggy Scott's family.
• Phylicia Rashad (Role Not Specified): Another major addition, Rashad’s role is yet to be fully detailed, but her involvement suggests a significant, authoritative presence, possibly within the Van Rhijn/Brook household or the Black elite circles.

New Faces in New York Society and Beyond

Beyond the major historical figures, the show is introducing a variety of characters who will influence the lives of the main cast, from new romantic interests to professional rivals, keeping the narrative fresh and unique. These new entities ensure the topical authority of the show’s exploration of the era remains strong.

• Jordan Donica as Dr. William Kirkland: Donica will portray a kind and handsome doctor from the prominent Kirkland family. Dr. Kirkland is described as being less narrow-minded than many of his peers, suggesting a potential new romantic entanglement for Marian Brook or a professional connection for Peggy Scott.
• Dylan Baker: Joining the cast in an undisclosed role, Baker is a veteran actor whose presence hints at a character with considerable influence or a complex moral compass.
• Kate Baldwin: The Broadway star’s addition is exciting, and she will likely be integrated into the social or artistic circles of the Russell or Van Rhijn families.
• Michael Cumpsty: Another respected stage and screen actor, Cumpsty’s role will contribute to the show’s deep bench of character actors.
• John Ellison Conlee: Conlee is part of the new group of actors whose characters will further populate the bustling world of 1880s New York.
• Bobby Steggert: Steggert’s inclusion suggests a focus on younger, rising members of society or the professional class.
• Andrea Martin: A legendary comedian and actress, Martin’s involvement, though not fully detailed, promises a character with a memorable and distinct personality, perhaps a new social rival or a comedic foil.

Thematic Focus and Plot Hints for Season 3

The casting choices for Season 3 offer significant clues about the direction of the plot. The introduction of J.P. Morgan confirms that the series will continue to explore the explosive growth of American finance and industry, which was a defining characteristic of the Gilded Age. George Russell will face a new, formidable rival who represents the pinnacle of American capitalism, raising the stakes beyond local railroad disputes.

Furthermore, the casting of Merritt Wever as Bertha's estranged sister and the inclusion of major Black actresses like Leslie Uggams and Phylicia Rashad suggest a dual focus on personal, deeply rooted family drama for the Russells and a continued, nuanced exploration of the Black elite in New York and the South. The topical authority of the series will be enhanced by delving into the complexities of these parallel societies.

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The addition of Dr. William Kirkland, a handsome and open-minded physician, strongly hints at a new romantic arc for Marian Brook, who ended Season 2 on an uncertain note regarding her love life. This character provides a fresh, new entity for Marian to interact with, moving her beyond the confines of her aunts' strict social rules.

With a premiere date locked in for June 2025, a wrapped production, and a cast list that is both star-studded and thematically rich, The Gilded Age Season 3 is poised to be the biggest and most dramatic installment yet, promising to be a must-watch event on HBO and Max.