Ben Lamb, Taissa Farmiga in 'The Gilded Age'HBO
The Gilded Age Star Taissa Farmiga on Gladys’ Struggles: “I Don’t Think She Has Pleasant Feelings Toward Anybody Right Now”
In HBO’s hit historical drama The Gilded Age, the opulence and grandeur of New York’s elite hide deep betrayals, forced ambitions, and shattered hearts. The latest episodes have left fans heartbroken for young Gladys Russell, played by the brilliant Taissa Farmiga, who faces the ultimate betrayal—being forced into an unwanted marriage by her power-hungry mother, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon).
In a revealing interview with Deadline, Farmiga unpacks the emotional turmoil her character is facing, from betrayal by her parents to navigating a marriage she never wanted. Her insights provide a deeper understanding of what’s really happening behind Gladys’ refined façade—and it’s far from glamorous.
Gladys’ Wedding: Numbness Over Joy
The latest episode delivered a heart-wrenching moment: despite pleas from Gladys and even warnings from her compassionate aunt Monica (played by Merritt Wever), Bertha succeeded in marrying off her daughter to Hector, Duke of Buckingham.
Farmiga revealed that Gladys walked down the aisle not in joy, but in emotional numbness.
“She’s been feeling so much hatred, anger, sadness, and disappointment in the last few episodes,” Farmiga explained. “At that moment, she’s just numb. She can’t feel anything anymore.”
Fans who hoped for a fiery rebellion were instead met with the cruel reality of the 1880s—where women’s choices were painfully limited.
Bertha’s Betrayal Cuts Deep
Gladys’ relationship with her mother Bertha has always been complicated. Farmiga confessed,
“There’s definitely more anger towards her mother. It’s a fiery feeling inside.”
Bertha, in her pursuit of status and social power, sees the arranged marriage as a victory, but for Gladys, it’s a prison. Her personal dreams and love have been sacrificed on the altar of society’s approval.
Disappointment in Father, George Russell
Fans often wondered if Gladys had an ally in her father, George (Morgan Spector). Sadly, that trust has been fractured.
“With her father, it’s more disappointment,” Farmiga said. “He promised she could marry for love, and then he did the opposite. It’s heartbreaking.”
In Gladys’ world, even the promises of the men who claim to protect her have fallen flat, leaving her with no genuine support system.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Duke?
Interestingly, Gladys isn’t entirely sure what to make of her new husband, the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). Farmiga admits that much of Gladys’ hatred toward Hector stems from the forced nature of their union.
“It’s not until the episode where they are finally alone that she realizes he’s straightforward and honest. Maybe there’s a tiny glimmer of hope,” Farmiga suggested.
For a young woman surrounded by betrayal, even the smallest show of honesty offers a faint light in a dark tunnel.
Modern Actress, Historical Character
Farmiga, a modern independent woman herself, admits that playing Gladys can be frustrating.
“I just want to shake her and say, ‘Do what you want to do! You have one life!’ But then I remember it’s the 1880s,” she laughed.
The restrictions placed on women during that era sharply contrast with today’s freedom, making Gladys’ storyline even more tragic for modern viewers.
What’s Next for Gladys?
Without spoiling too much, Farmiga hinted that Gladys’ journey is far from over.
“Her arc this season is a rollercoaster. She starts with newfound confidence, then gets emotionally crushed. There’s a moment where she tries to find her footing again, but she’ll face new female power that challenges her.”
Gladys may be down, but she is not out. Fans can expect a mixture of emotional survival, glimpses of rebellion, and perhaps some much-needed self-discovery in the remaining episodes.
Real-Life Moments on Set
Farmiga also shared light-hearted moments from filming, including her sneaky tactic to remain comfortable in corsets:
“I eat a burger and a sundae before fittings to make sure I have room to eat during filming,” she joked.
She also chuckled about Gladys’ old-fashioned name, revealing she often forgot it was hers during early production.
Final Thoughts
Gladys Russell’s fate in The Gilded Age may feel unjust through modern eyes, but Farmiga’s performance adds depth to the character’s struggle against societal expectations and familial betrayal. As the season continues, fans will watch eagerly to see if Gladys can reclaim even a sliver of agency within a world built to suppress her.
🎩 New episodes of The Gilded Age air Sundays on HBO and Max.
💬 What do you think? Will Gladys eventually fight back or be trapped forever by her family’s ambition? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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