Gilded Age Characters’ Real-Life Inspirations Revealed

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In an intriguing reveal, the acclaimed author behind “The Gilded Age,” Julian Fellowes, has unveiled the actual high society figures who served as the basis for the Russells in his novel, “The Gilded Age.” This talented storyteller, best known for crafting popular series such as “Downton Abbey,” is recognized not just for his ability to tap into historical periods but also for skillfully integrating real-life personalities and events into his narratives.

During an event organized by The Preservation Society of Newport County, Lord Julian Fellowes shared that although he takes inspiration not just from his personal experiences but also from real-life incidents and people, he usually prefers not to use real individuals as characters. He mentioned that he once contemplated creating a drama centered around the Vanderbilt family, but found it too restrictive.

Initially, I considered creating a play based on the Vanderbilt family, but I discovered that it was restrictive because I couldn’t invent actions they hadn’t taken. Therefore, I embraced the freedom of fiction instead and simply utilize real individuals as points of reference.

In “The Gilded Age,” fact and fiction are skillfully interwoven, featuring families such as the Russells, who are based on real-life counterparts from America’s Gilded Age. These characters are drawn from true stories, individuals, and significant events of that era.

The Real-Life Socialites Who Inspired the Characters of The Gilded Age

George Russell – Jay Gould

In “The Gilded Age,” the character George Russell (portrayed by Morgan Spector) is modeled after a wealthy robber baron who, in contrast to his riches, found it challenging to earn respect and acknowledgment that seemed effortless for others in a similar financial standing. This aspect of Jay Gould’s life was incorporated into the series. Creator Lord Julian Fellowes was captivated by Jay Gould due to his intriguing nature – on one side, notoriously ruthless, even earning disapproval from other robber barons, and yet on the other hand, a loving father and husband.

Jay Gould, born in 1836 and deceased in 1892, was a significant American tycoon in the railroad industry and finance. Frequently referred to as a “business baron” due to the cunning and at times unscrupulous tactics he employed to amass his fortune.

In addition, an independent occurrence depicted in Season 2, Episode 6 of “The Gilded Age,” where George Russell comes close to shooting striking workers, is actually based on a distinct real-life incident involving industrialists Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie. Similarly, events portrayed in Season 1, Episode 3 titled “Face the Music” draw inspiration from a genuine event in the life of business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794 -1877), popularly known as “the Commodore,” notably George’s daring move to invest a significant portion of his wealth against market manipulation.

Bertha Russell – Alva Vanderbilt

In the TV series “The Gilded Age,” Carrie Coon’s character, Bertha Russell, is modeled after Alva Vanderbilt and echoes significant incidents from the actual socialite’s rise during New York’s Gilded Age, particularly the events leading up to Alva Vanderbilt’s famous 1883 costume ball. This historic event, depicted in the season one finale of “The Gilded Age,” is accurately portrayed not just in the grandeur of the ball but also in Bertha Russell’s shrewd maneuvers to compel Mrs. Astor. Just as Alva Vanderbilt did, Bertha Russell declined to invite Mrs. Astor’s daughter unless Astor herself attended, a strategy that proved successful and marked Vanderbilt’s (and Bertha Russell’s) official entry into high society.

As for the ball itself, the Gilded Age creator told Vanity Fair:

When I came across information about Alva’s ball, my immediate thought was, ‘This is fantastic! I can’t wait to integrate the entire concept into my play.’

From 1875 to 1896, Alva Vanderbilt lived as a prominent socialite, married to New York City tycoon William Kissam Vanderbilt until their divorce in 1895. Later that same year, she wed Oliver Belmont and stayed with him until his passing in 1908. Not only was Alva Vanderbilt an important figure in the Gilded Age society, but she also made substantial impacts on women’s rights, politics, and architecture.

Gladys Russel – Consuelo Vanderbilt

Although there’s an echo of Bertha Russell (or Alva Vanderbilt)’s clever strategies, Gladys, much like her fictional parents George and Bertha Russell, serves as a blend of factual incidents from Consuelo Vanderbilt’s life with a touch of fiction.

In a particular installment of the authentic “Gilded Age” podcast, they disclosed that the happenings portrayed in Season 3, Episode 3 were derived from the marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the ninth Duke of Marlborough.

During an episode of the Official Gilded Age podcast, host Alicia Malone explained:

It seems appropriate now for us to delve into the real-life tale that underpins the fictional relationship between Gladys and Duke, which stems from the marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt and the 9th Duke of Marlborough.

In my life, I, Consuelo Vanderbilt, found myself in a union with Charles Spencer-Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, an arrangement that was against my wishes. Despite this marriage enduring for 25 years, we spent most of it apart. Our formal separation occurred in 1906, and we were legally divorced in 1921. In 1921, I found a new partner in Jacques Balsan, a wealthy French aviator, with whom I stayed until his passing in 1956.

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2025-07-11 16:04