Ben Ahlers, the actor playing Jack Baker in HBO Max’s The Gilded Age season three, opened up about his character’s latest development – receiving a $300,000 inheritance from his late mother’s estate. The amount is staggering, considering that Jack would be a multi-millionaire in today’s world.
Ahlers revealed he felt “cosmically connected” to Jack, who often struggles with balancing his desires for success and staying true to his values. As Jack navigates this newfound wealth, Ahlers believes the character will face tough decisions about how to use his freedom, possibly leading him down a path in the patent game.
The show’s creator has masterfully woven together historical events and modern themes, making The Gilded Age feel eerily relevant to our contemporary world. Ahlers feels grateful for the opportunity to star in this period drama that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
As an actor, Ahlers appreciates the online community’s acceptance of his character, from being hailed as “the American Dream” to sparking heated debates about class and privilege. He notes that while The Gilded Age excels at engaging its audience, it’s still rare for TV shows to achieve the same level of cultural relevance as Broadway productions.
With The Gilded Age season three just around the corner, fans can look forward to Jack’s journey as he navigates his newfound wealth, friendships, and identity.
Source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a65399698/the-gilded-age-season-3-episode-6-ben-ahlers-interview-2025