Who Is Maud Beaton in The Gilded Age?
Maud Beaton is a character introduced in Season 2 of The Gilded Age. She is depicted as a witty, attractive young socialite who quickly integrated into the exclusive circles of 1880s New York society, especially getting close to Oscar van Rhijn. While she initially presents herself as the daughter of John Beaton, rumors swirl that her real father is Jay Gould, a powerful robber baron of the era. This supposed connection—and her apparent fortune—make her highly desirable in society.
However, Maud is not what she seems. She is a cunning con artist who orchestrates a scheme with her associate, Mr. Crowther, to defraud Oscar van Rhijn. She lures Oscar into investing his family’s money in a fictitious railroad company, the Casterbridge Pacific, and then vanishes with the money, leaving Oscar in financial and social ruin. Her story is inspired by the real-life swindler Cassie Chadwick, who also posed as an heiress to defraud wealthy men in the same era.
In Season 3, Maud resurfaces under a new name ("Dolly Trent") and is found working as a sex worker at the Haymarket Club, marking a steep decline from her socialite days.
How Many Episodes Are in The Gilded Age Season 3?
Season 3 of The Gilded Age consists of 8 episodes. The episodes are released weekly on Sundays, starting June 22, 2025, with the finale airing on August 10, 2025:
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Episode 1: "Who Is In Charge Here?" – June 22, 2025
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Episode 2: "What the Papers Say" – June 29, 2025
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Episode 3: "Love Is Never Easy" – July 6, 2025
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Episode 4: "Marriage Is a Gamble" – July 13, 2025
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Episode 5: "A Different World" – July 20, 2025
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Episode 6: "If You Want to Cook an Omelette" – July 27, 2025
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Episode 7: "Ex-Communicated" – August 3, 2025
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Episode 8: "My Mind Is Made Up" – August 10, 2025
Who Plays Maud Beaton in The Gilded Age?
The role of Maud Beaton is played by Nicole Brydon Bloom. Bloom is also recognized for her work in the Hulu series Paradise. She brings nuance to the role, portraying both Maud's early social finesse and her later downfall. Bloom’s performance as Maud was inspired by the real-life swindler Cassie Chadwick, lending the character a basis in history.
The Gilded Age: What Is It About?
The Gilded Age is a historical drama set in 1880s New York City, exploring the intense social competition and shifting economic dynamics between old-money families—like the van Rhijns—and new-money industrialists—like the Russells. The central narrative follows Marian Brook, a young woman from a traditional background, and her attempts to navigate the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly changing society. The series was created by Julian Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, and delves into themes of class conflict, ambition, progress, and the roles of women and minorities during the period.
Where to Watch The Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age is available to stream on several platforms. In the United States, you can watch it on MAX (formerly HBO Max), including via Hulu, Prime Video, or the Roku Channel if you add a MAX subscription. It is also available for purchase on Prime Video, Microsoft Store, and Vudu. International viewers may find it on platforms like NowTV in the UK, Paramount+ in Australia, and Crave or Starz in Canada. Availability can vary by region, so using a VPN service may be necessary to access the show from some countries.
Image Source: The Gilded Age Fandom/ Website
FAQs
Who is Maud Beaton in The Gilded Age?
Maud Beaton is a young socialite introduced in Season 2, later revealed to be a con artist who scams Oscar van Rhijn.
Is Maud Beaton based on a real person?
Yes, her story is inspired by Cassie Chadwick, a real-life swindler who posed as a wealthy heiress in the late 1800s.
Who plays Maud Beaton?
Maud Beaton is played by Nicole Brydon Bloom.
