22 photos proving the 'Gilded Age' has the hottest cast on TV

I know The Gilded Age is supposed to be about railroads, rivalries, and rigid social hierarchies. But between corsets, cravats, and just the right amount of décolletage, the cast is positively dripping with off-screen hotness that will have any old aunt fanning herself in the parlor.

These actors serve face, body, and vibes worthy of Newport’s grandest lawns. And I'm here to celebrate the gilded and the gorgeous: because, after all, beauty is one inheritance everyone can flaunt.

Carrie Coon

My fierce, scheming duchess of the nouveau riche! On-screen, she’s building empires with her glare alone; off-screen, she’s a vision in anything she wears. Carrie Coon is a masterclass in quiet luxury. If capitalism ever needed a face, it would be hers… but make it feminist and devastatingly hot.

Louisa Jacobson (Marian Brook)

Ah, young love and lady-like rebelliousness never looked so good. Louisa’s posts give us ingénue meets downtown cool. She may play the wide-eyed girl next door, but off-camera she’s giving Vogue-ready sensuality. We see you, Marian, and so does everyone else.

Christine Baranski (Agnes Van Rhijn)

If elegance had a patron saint, her name would be Christine Baranski. The cheekbones, the posture, the martini energy—I am weak! She’s the kind of woman who could destroy you with a single raised eyebrow and then console you with a glass of champagne. A true MILF of manners.

Morgan Spector (George Russell)

Let’s be honest: this man could read me like a balance sheet. 'Railroad daddy' Morgan Spector has the looks of a gentleman, but that devilish smirk that reads 21st-century badboy. Sharp eyes, soft suits, and thick thighs. The perfect storm.

Cynthia Nixon (Ada Brook)

From Sex and the City’s Miranda to Gilded Age’s sweet spinster, Cynthia has aged like top-shelf whiskey: complex, bold, and utterly intoxicating. Her off-screen looks carry quiet queer sophistication: crisp, elegant, and the confidence of a woman who knows exactly who she is.

Denée Benton (Peggy Scott)

Now this is how you redefine Black excellence. Denée isn’t just radiant; she’s luminous. She glows with purpose, joy, and enough fashion moments to fund an entire Met Gala theme. From Broadway brilliance to 2024 Out100 honoree, we salute her as both muse and movement.

Harry Richardson (Larry Russell)

Boy-next-door? More like boy-you-accidentally-married-in-a-rom-com-because-he’s-too-charming. Harry’s jawline could cut diamonds, and his energy is pure golden retriever in a three-piece suit. He gives the kind of smile that could end a social season.

Taissa Farmiga (Gladys Russell)

Soft glam, doe eyes, and understated danger: Taissa serves “heiress with secrets” both on-screen and off. Her looks are pure 21st-century debutante chic: a little moody, a little mysterious, and entirely mesmerizing.

Blake Ritson (Oscar Van Rhijn)

Ah, the dandy of your dreams. Blake’s got that “scandal at the opera” face, all smirks and shadowed glances. He could monologue about moral decay, and I'd still blush. Somewhere between villainous and irresistible: just how we like it.

Audra McDonald (Dorothy Scott)

Six Tony Awards and somehow still underrated in the hotness department, Audra is divine in every frame. Glowing skin, powerful presence, and the kind of grace that makes you sit up straighter. She’s the very definition of regal sensuality.

Donna Murphy (Mrs. Astor)

The grande dame herself! Donna exudes timeless poise with just enough sass to keep the diamonds sparkling. Every photo says: “Yes, I invented elegance, and no, you may not speak until I finish this sip.” I can't help but give a deep curtsy.

Kelli O’Hara (Aurora Fane)

The golden soprano herself! Kelli's Mrs. Charles Fane always had a place in my heart. Off-screen, Kelli’s every appearance is a masterclass in refined beauty and Broadway poise. She glows like chandeliers envy her.

Ben Lamb (The Duke of Buckingham)

British. Brooding. Ben plays an English aristocrat on-screen, but still has the looks of a gentleman who could ruin your reputation with a glance and have you thank him for it.

Ward Horton (Charles Fane)

Oh, Mr. Fane! We got to see Ward's character play somewhat scandalously in the third season. But I can forgive a man with a nice jawline, a smile, and the ability to pull off a good suit.

Jordan Danica (Dr. William Kirkland) 

Auntie’s diagnosis? Smoldering with a pulse of intellect. Jordan is Prince Charming personified in the latest season of Gilded Age. And with a voice to match? Auntie's reaching for her smelling salts.

Sullivan Jones (T. Thomas Fortune)

Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones! Powerful, principled, and fine enough to start a Gilded era newspaper. Do you know where I can subscribe?!

Taylor Richardson (Bridget)

Bright, bold, and joyfully self-possessed, Taylor gives "it girl with purpose." On-screen, she's the cheerful spark "below the stairs"; off-screen, she's still the youthful spark that keeps the Gilded glow alive.

Ashlie Atkinson (Mamie Fish)

The life of every soirée! Ashlie's Mrs. Mamie Fish is bold, brilliant, and brimming with wit. We love a woman who can serve chaos and confidence with pearls attached.

Claybourne Elder (John Adams)

Awwww, Roadkill Daddy our dear Mr. Adams! Claybourne, as the "out and proud" (in the 19th-century sense) love interest of Oscar Van Rhijn (Ritson), met a tragic ending in the third season. But even out of costume, he's still giving us daddy vibes! Auntie sees you, and she approves enthusiastically.

Amy Forsyth (Carrie Astor)

Youthful glam with impeccable taste, Amy's Carrie Astor is a remarkable addition to the ensemble cast. Off-screen, her socialite energy is aspirational: equal parts debutante and disruptor.

Hannah Shealy (Charlotte Astor)

An addition to the series in the third season, Hannah gave us a surprising, unruly New York socialite. Off-screen, she's fresh-faced, fearless, and radiantly modern. Hannah’s charm is the kind that makes even Old Money blush.

Ben Ahlers (Jack Trotter)

Last, but certainly not least! We love a Cinderella story, and Ben's Jack Trotter fully embraces it in the third season. Off-screen, he has that all-American handsomeness: soft jaw, soft eyes, and abs that were absolutely built to lift heavy boxes and hearts alike. We see you, 'Clock Twink!'

From schemers to saints, each of these stars brings a little heat to HBO’s frostiest drawing rooms. And if you catch yourself clutching your pearls mid-scroll, don’t worry, darlings, I'm right there with you. If there’s one thing The Gilded Age taught us, it’s that wealth fades, but beauty stays eternal.