Carrie Coon had a whirlwind experience transitioning between her roles in “The White Lotus” and “The Gilded Age”, with only a mere 48 hours to prepare for her character in the latter series. The talented actress shared with PEOPLE how she had to quickly shift gears from filming on location in Thailand to shooting the historical drama back in New York City. Coon, known for her outstanding performances, likened this swift change to putting on a wet bathing suit, highlighting the challenging nature of the transition.
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The actress, who plays the character Bertha Russell in the newest episodes of “The Gilded Age”, revealed that upon returning home, her family, including her young children and husband, didn’t provide much support as she juggled jet lag and the demands of her work. With no time to spare, Coon found herself underprepared and without costumes, having been away from the country for an extended period. Despite these challenges, the production team accommodated her by starting with bedroom scenes, allowing Coon to ease back into her character with the comfort of nightgowns and robes.

“I just begged them for more time because it’s TV, it moves very quickly and I just needed more time to figure out how to talk, just how to walk around [as Bertha],” Coon expressed. Despite feeling like a stranger in her own family initially, she appreciated the patience and support she received from the cast and crew, enabling her to readjust to her role seamlessly.
Prior to her return to “The Gilded Age”, Coon opened up on the Today show about the measures she took to maintain her fair skin complexion while filming “The White Lotus” in Thailand. She shared her unique strategies to evade the sun and protect her skin, emphasizing the dedication required for her craft. Coon’s commitment to her roles showcases her professionalism and determination to deliver exceptional performances under various circumstances.
With the premiere of season 3 of “The Gilded Age” approaching, HBO teases a storyline filled with tension and intrigue as the Russell family navigates challenges and ambitions in Manhattan’s high society. Coon’s character, Bertha, is portrayed as a determined individual striving to secure her family’s position at the top, even if it means making sacrifices along the way. As a nominee for an Emmy for her role on the show, Coon’s portrayal of Bertha promises to captivate audiences once again.
As the premiere of the new season draws near, fans eagerly anticipate the unraveling of the Russells’ story and the dynamics within the family. Coon’s portrayal of Bertha adds layers of complexity and depth to the narrative, promising an engaging and compelling storyline for viewers to enjoy. The talented cast, along with Coon’s remarkable performance, is set to deliver another gripping season of drama and intrigue in “The Gilded Age”.
Stay tuned for the premiere of season 3 of “The Gilded Age” on Sunday, June 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, as Carrie Coon shines in her role as Bertha Russell, navigating the complexities of high society in 19th-century Manhattan. Follow the captivating storyline of the Russell family as they face challenges and strive for success in a world filled with ambition and secrets.
