Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode Featuring Morgan Spector on The Gilded Age

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Episode: Morgan Spector on The Gilded Age
• Release Date: June 30, 2025
• Description: All Of It delves into culture and its consumers, engaging with creators and thinkers to explore the what and why behind their work.

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart welcomes actor Morgan Spector, who portrays George Russell in HBO's acclaimed series The Gilded Age. The conversation delves into Morgan's portrayal of George Russell, his preparation for the role, the historical context of the show, and insights into the production process.

Morgan Spector’s Journey to The Gilded Age (00:29 - 04:16)

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by asking Morgan about his life before receiving the script for The Gilded Age. Morgan shares that he was at home with his family during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the uncertainty of that period.

Notable Quote:

"I think there is a structure and a kind of a particular sort of masculinity to this character that I found interesting and comfortable." – Morgan Spector [03:06]

Character Development: George Russell (04:16 - 06:25)

Morgan discusses his initial impressions of George Russell, drawing parallels to Julian Fellowes' work on Downton Abbey. He highlights George's ambitious nature and the historical inspiration behind his character, particularly Jay Gould, a prominent figure known for his ruthless business tactics.

Notable Quote:

"There's something about being that kind of business leader who's not that far removed from, you know, power really coming from the barrel of a gun." – Morgan Spector [04:42]

Behind the Scenes: Working with Carrie Coon (08:24 - 09:49)

Alison plays a clip featuring Carrie Coon, who portrays Bertha Russell. Carrie shares anecdotes about her longstanding friendship with Morgan, their collaborative efforts prior to the show, and their strong on-screen chemistry rooted in real-life respect and admiration.

Notable Quote:

"We just became really good friends in the world before Gilded Age came along. And so it was such a delight to know that it was Morgan." – Carrie Coon [08:36]

Balancing Political Views and Character Portrayal (10:45 - 12:26)

Alison inquires about Morgan's political stance as a self-described feminist and Marxist, contrasting it with his role as a robber baron. Morgan explains that his personal political views did not deter him from taking on the role, and he found interesting intersections between his documentary work on socialism and the historical backdrop of The Gilded Age.

Notable Quote:

"Whatever angle we were gonna go back and look at the Gilded Age, even through this lens of the robber barons and the richest of the rich, you are looking at part of a system that implies the other part." – Morgan Spector [11:03]

Documentary Work and Historical Exploration (12:26 - 14:00)

Morgan elaborates on his documentary, The Big Scary S Word, which explores the resurgence of socialism in America. He connects this work to his interest in the labor movements of the 19th century, highlighting the rich tradition of American socialism and its impact on the era depicted in The Gilded Age.

Notable Quote:

"There's a rich tradition that's part of American history, and that's what we wanted to explore." – Morgan Spector [12:28]

Character Duality: Ruthlessness and Softness (14:00 - 15:41)

The conversation shifts to George Russell's complex character traits—his ruthless business acumen versus his softness toward his children. Morgan reflects on this duality, emphasizing the compartmentalization of life aspects and its consequences.

Notable Quote:

"The essence of George Russell is that duality... we all have a kind of moral community where we are our best selves and where we hold ourselves to a kind of moral standard." – Morgan Spector [14:21]

Audience Interaction: Listener Questions (15:41 - 29:00)

Alison engages with listeners Stephen and Lyron, discussing their perceptions of George Russell's character arc, his motivations, and relationships. Morgan provides insights into George's relentless drive, his quest for legacy, and the dynamics within the Russell family.

Notable Quotes:

"What you're going to leave behind, what kind of mark you will have..." – Morgan Spector [16:53]

"They're both acting out of love." – Morgan Spector [22:42]

Production Insights and Filming Locations (19:00 - 27:07)

Morgan shares his experiences filming in locations like Long Island and Newport, discussing the transformation of modern spaces into 19th-century settings. He highlights the meticulous craftsmanship in costume design and set creation, which enhances the authenticity of the show.

Notable Quote:

"Everything is built for us by truly, truly brilliant craftspeople." – Morgan Spector [25:13]

Impact on Personal Perspectives (27:07 - 28:35)

Morgan reflects on how working on The Gilded Age has deepened his appreciation for New York City's architectural heritage, prompting him to explore and question the historical significance of buildings he encounters daily.

Notable Quote:

"What was this originally? Who built this? What was this originally designed to do?" – Morgan Spector [28:08]

Looking Ahead: Season Three Teasers (28:35 - 29:15)

Without revealing spoilers, Morgan hints at future plot developments, such as George Russell uncovering schemes against his family orchestrated by Bertha. This sets the stage for heightened tensions and character evolution in the upcoming season.

Notable Quote:

"I think that was a little bit of a preamble." – Morgan Spector [28:52]

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the interview by thanking Morgan Spector for his insights and participation. Listeners are reminded to watch The Gilded Age on HBO and stay tuned for future episodes of All Of It.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Morgan Spector [03:06]: "I think there is a structure and a kind of a particular sort of masculinity to this character that I found interesting and comfortable."
• Morgan Spector [04:42]: "There's something about being that kind of business leader who's not that far removed from, you know, power really coming from the barrel of a gun."
• Carrie Coon [08:36]: "We just became really good friends in the world before Gilded Age came along."
• Morgan Spector [11:03]: "Whatever angle we were gonna go back and look at the Gilded Age... you are looking at part of a system that implies the other part."
• Morgan Spector [14:21]: "The essence of George Russell is that duality..."
• Morgan Spector [16:53]: "What you're going to leave behind, what kind of mark you will have..."
• Morgan Spector [22:42]: "They're both acting out of love."
• Morgan Spector [25:13]: "Everything is built for us by truly, truly brilliant craftspeople."
• Morgan Spector [28:08]: "What was this originally? Who built this? What was this originally designed to do?"
• Morgan Spector [28:52]: "I think that was a little bit of a preamble."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Morgan Spector's role in The Gilded Age, blending character analysis with personal anecdotes and production insights. For fans of the show and those interested in historical dramas, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on the intricate world of 19th-century America as portrayed in modern television.