Every The Gilded Age cast member leaving in season 4 and why they’re not coming back

The Gilded Age is back for season 4, but not everyone is returning. Some characters have reached the end of their stories, while others have left viewers with a few unanswered questions.

So, which The Gilded Age cast members are leaving the show, and what happened to their characters? Here’s everything we know.

Patrick Page – Richard Clay

Patrick Page plays Richard Clay, who used to work as George Russell’s secretary. In season 3, George fired Richard after he failed to close an important business deal. Richard then started working with one of George’s biggest rivals. Things got even more interesting when George was shot at the end of the season. Richard became one of the possible suspects because of his falling-out with George.

So, it was a bit surprising when Deadline confirmed Patrick wouldn’t be back for season 4. After all, we were still waiting to find out if Richard had anything to do with the shooting.

The season 4 premiere does hint that the mystery could go in a different direction, with another possible suspect suggested. It doesn’t reveal who they are, though.

Deadline also said Richard could return for a guest appearance in a future season.

Sullivan Jones – T. Thomas Fortune

Sullivan Jones is also leaving the show. He plays T. Thomas Fortune, the publisher of the New York Globe. Thomas was Peggy Scott’s editor and mentor. But things got awkward when he developed feelings for her, even though he was married. In season 3, he tried to join Peggy on an out-of-town assignment without being invited. Her future husband, Dr William Kirkland, stepped in, and the two men ended up fighting.

Now that Peggy is engaged to William, Thomas’ story seems to have moved on. Sullivan won’t be appearing in season 4.

However, like Patrick Page, he could return for a guest appearance in a future season.

Nathan Lane – Ward McAllister

Nathan Lane’s future on the show is looking uncertain. He plays Ward McAllister, who ended season 3 on bad terms with Bertha Russell. After publishing his gossip-filled book, Ward was told he wouldn’t be invited to Bertha’s end-of-season ball. And it seems we might have seen the last of him. 

There hasn’t been official confirmation that Nathan has left permanently, but it doesn’t look good for Ward.

Nicole Brydon Bloom – Maud Beaton

Nicole Brydon Bloom also seems unlikely to return as Maud Beaton. Maud first appeared in season 2, when she stole Oscar van Rhijn’s money through a fake investment scheme. She returned in season 3, but Oscar eventually sent her away on a train to her hometown.

Nicole seemed to say goodbye to the show in an Instagram post, writing, “The goddess of timing once found us beguiling… but now… I’m off to Sandusky. Thank you @gildedagehbo and to my sweet Oscar. Blake, you are a treasure! Xx”

There hasn’t been official confirmation that she’s gone for good, but it certainly sounds like her storyline is over.

Claybourne Elder – John Adams

Claybourne Elder won’t be returning as John Adams because his character died in season 3. John was Oscar van Rhijn’s partner, and his death brought their storyline to an end.

After the episode aired, Claybourne shared a tribute to his character on Instagram.

He wrote, “I’ll miss John Adams. Getting to play this quietly complex man who was trying to carve out a space for love and dignity in a world that offered very little of either—was a gift.”

He added, “As a gay actor, I never take for granted the chance to play queer characters with nuance and humanity, especially in stories set in times that tried so hard to erase us. I loved John. I’ll miss him. Thank you to the whole team for letting me be a small part of such a big, beautiful world. And to those of you who’ve rooted for John: thank you. He tried his best. He really did.”

Rachel Pickup – Miss Andre 

Rachel Pickup played Miss Andre, Bertha Russell’s maid. In season 3, it was revealed that she had been selling secrets about the Russell family to the press. Bertha found out and fired her. Miss Andre then left the household, and her story seems to be over.

There hasn’t been confirmation that Rachel has left the show permanently, but it looks unlikely that she’ll return.

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