After a year-long hiatus, HBO's acclaimed period drama The Gilded Age is set to return this Sunday, November 1, 2026. Created by Downton Abbey mastermind Julian Fellowes, the series transports viewers to late 19th-century New York City, where the lives of high-society families unfold in a world of opulence and intrigue. However, as the show gears up for its fourth season, a significant cast shake-up is underway.
Two familiar faces will be notably absent from the upcoming episodes: Patrick Page, who portrayed railroad businessman Richard Clay, and Sullivan Jones, who played newspaper publisher T. Thomas Fortune. Both actors have been recurring presences since the show's debut in 2022, and while their characters may not have been the most prominent, they played crucial roles in some of the series' most pivotal storylines. Their departures are bound to send ripples through the narrative.
What the Exits Mean for the Season 3 Cliffhanger
Of the two, Patrick Page's exit as Richard Clay is the more surprising and consequential. As the trusted secretary to railway tycoon George Russell (Morgan Spector), Clay was the right-hand man who helped build Russell's empire. But in season 3, a business deal gone wrong led to Clay's firing, and he vowed revenge, aligning with Russell's rivals. The season ended with Russell being shot by a mysterious assailant, and many fans suspected Clay was behind the attack.
With Page's departure, the show must now address a major storyline without its most obvious suspect. While Clay was certainly a prime candidate, Russell's ruthless business dealings have created a host of other enemies, including rival tycoon Risley Sage (Peter McRobbie), who appeared in season 3. The question is whether the show can deliver a satisfying twist with a less obvious culprit, or if it risks leaving viewers feeling shortchanged. This uncertainty adds a layer of suspense to the new season, which has already been praised for being darker, bolder, and more brilliant than ever.
How the Cast Shake-Up Could Change One Character's Fate
Sullivan Jones's exit as T. Thomas Fortune is less surprising, as his character's arc had largely reached a natural conclusion. Fortune, a real-life historical figure and editor of The New York Globe, hired Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) in season 1 and supported her career. Their professional relationship turned personal in season 2 when they shared a kiss while covering a story in Alabama. However, Peggy chose to leave the Globe to avoid scandal, and by season 3, she had moved on to a new romance with Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica). Fortune appeared in only one episode of season 3, offering Peggy an assignment, and was not seen again.
While his romantic history with Peggy could have been revisited, Fortune's limited screen time in the previous season suggests his story had run its course. His absence allows Peggy's character to evolve and explore new avenues without being held back by past drama. As the series continues, it's clear that some exits are timely and well-executed, and Fortune's departure is one of them.
The Gilded Age returns this Sunday, November 1, 2026, on HBO. For those eager to catch up, the show is also available on HBO Max, where fans can revisit the drama before the new episodes air.
