Star of HBO's 'The Gilded Age' Coming to Rosecliff in Newport

The Newport mansions have played a pivotal role in HBO’s The Gilded Age for two seasons, and on July 9^th, one of the stars will make an appearance for an evening of food and conversation.

If you love HBO’s popular series, here’s how to meet the woman behind the character Peggy Scott.

Get our free mobile app

The Gilded Age Star Coming to Newport

Denée Benton is the Tony Award-nominated actress who brings the character Peggy Scott to life. She will be joined by the show’s co-executive producer, Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, for an evening at Rosecliff Mansion called "Becoming Peggy Scott".

“Our distinguished guests will delve into the creation of Peggy Scott and shed light on the crafting of this fictional 19^th-century African American woman from Brooklyn,” said Newport Mansions. “They will discuss the historical women who inspired this independent and pioneering character and explore the collaborative process that ensured the historical and social accuracy of Peggy’s portrayal on screen.”

The Gilded Age on HBO

The Gilded Age on HBO follows a young woman who moves in with her old-money aunts and quickly gets entangled in the social war between them and their new-money neighbors.

Set in the 1800s, New York elites from “old money” feud with “new money" neighbors, making the Newport mansions the perfect backdrop to tell the story.

The Role of Newport Mansions During the Gilded Age

Newport was the hot spot during the Gilded Age of the 19^th century. According to the Preservation Society of Newport, the city by the sea gained prominence when leaders of finance and industry from New York and elsewhere began building “summer cottages” such as Marble House, The Breakers, The Elms, and Rosecliff.

The Great Depression brought a steep decline to the fortunes of the Gilded Age, but thanks to the work of the Preservation Society of Newport, these stunning mansions are frozen in time and enjoyed by visitors through immersive tours and events.

Tickets for "Becoming Peggy Scott" on July 9th are available online

Newport Mansions Seen in HBO's 'The Gilded Age'

"The Gilded Age" film crews have returned to Newport, Rhode Island, for several weeks of filming for the upcoming second season of HBO's hit show. Casting calls from March gave away the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a site for several scenes and, of course, several of the historic city's epic mansions are being used as well. Here are all the places filming is expected to take place around town this May.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

Stunning French-Style Chateau in Newport Will Take You Back in Time

An amazing Newport mansion just steps from the Cliff Walk has hit the market and it actually comes with everything still inside. So could you picture yourself literally living among these stunning rooms?

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall