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Christine Baranski Reflects on Her Role in “The Gilded Age” and Beyond
Christine Baranski has drawn upon her personal history to portray the complex character of Agnes van Rhijn in Julian Fellowes’ HBO series “The Gilded Age.” Baranski’s mother, a Polish immigrant who navigated the challenges of the Great Depression and worked for years in an air conditioner factory in Buffalo, New York, contrasts sharply with the elite persona of Agnes, a character known for her societal dominance and imperiousness. In a conversation with Variety on the Awards Circuit podcast, Baranski revealed how her mother’s resilience influenced her performance in a series that has garnered six Emmy nominations this season, marking Baranski’s own sixteenth nomination throughout her illustrious acting career.
Reflecting on her mother’s strength, Baranski notes, “I watched a tough lady move through life.” This resilience is mirrored in Agnes, who, although facing personal struggles—like a seemingly discontented marriage—exhibits control and determination in her pursuit to support her family, including her younger sister Ada, played by Cynthia Nixon, and niece Marian, portrayed by Louisa Jacobson. Agnes is also a staunch guardian of the social norms of her time, often looking down upon those she deems unsuitable, including the new-money couple George and Bertha Russell, played by Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon, respectively.
Baranski describes Agnes as “a walking declarative sentence,” embodying the sharp wit and commanding presence reminiscent of Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess from Fellowes’ previous series, “Downton Abbey.” Baranski observes, “Julian loves those female characters. He respects them. He gives them a sense of humor and resiliency,” which resonates throughout the show’s narrative. This rich character development contributes significantly to the show’s success and depth.
During her conversation on the podcast, Baranski not only discussed her current role in “The Gilded Age” but also reflected on her iconic roles in “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight.” Season 2 of “The Gilded Age” finds Agnes softening as she comes to terms with her sister’s marriage to the compassionate reverend Luke, played by Robert Sean Leonard, and later offers solace during his untimely passing.
Baranski draws parallels between the dynamic between Agnes and Ada to that of the classic sitcom “The Odd Couple,” humorously noting that she often hums the theme song on set. Her off-screen relationship with Nixon, who she first met during their time together in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing,” has been equally impactful. “I remember Cynthia putting her hand on my belly to listen to my firstborn’s heartbeat,” Baranski reminisces, highlighting the deep bond formed over the years.
Baranski’s connections to her “Gilded Age” co-stars are profound, a reflection of the strong theatrical community fostered by the show’s production in New York during Broadway’s pandemic pause. She describes the set as “the happiest” she has been on, expressing a desire for the experience to last a decade just for the sake of camaraderie among actors.
Recently concluding her time as Diane Lockhart, a role she embodied for nearly 15 years, Baranski expresses uncertainty about revisiting the character in a potential spinoff like “Elsbeth.” Nevertheless, she still keeps in touch with co-creator Michelle King to discuss current events that could inspire future narratives. “Diane Lockhart still lives in my heart when I watch the news,” she explains, highlighting the character’s idealism and intelligence, which continue to resonate with her.
Baranski also noted the symbolic nature of a potential political shift in the upcoming election, hinting that Kamala Harris’s inauguration could serve as a poignant counterpoint to the events of “The Good Fight.”
Her enthusiasm remains high for a reunion with the cast of “Mamma Mia!,” expressing her vision for a celebratory get-together. “Wouldn’t it be fun if we all just met on an island in Greece or Croatia?” she muses, proposing an experience akin to a docuseries where they could reminisce while enjoying the sun and music together. While Agnes would likely disapprove of such casual antics, Baranski’s jovial spirit shines through.
The latest episode of the Awards Circuit podcast also features an interview with Quinta Brunson, star of “Abbott Elementary,” who is nominated for outstanding comedy actress, as well as Randall Einhorn, who is recognized for his comedy directing efforts. They discussed the upcoming Season 3 of their beloved series, which has also received a nomination for outstanding comedy.
Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast offers insights into the film and television industry through lively conversations that include interviews with prominent talent and creatives, along with discussions about awards seasons and other industry trends. Tune in for the latest insights on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify.
Source
variety.com