The Gilded Age Season 4 will move forward without two characters whose storylines have shaped the HBO period drama. Patrick Page, who plays Richard Clay, and Sullivan Jones, who portrays T. Thomas Fortune, will not return for the upcoming season, which premieres on 1 November 2026.
Their absence could have a different impact on the season’s central storylines. Clay’s exit leaves questions surrounding the attempted murder of railroad tycoon George Russell, while Fortune’s departure could reshape Peggy Scott’s professional journey as she prepares for a new chapter in her personal life.
Both characters have been part of the series since its first season, making their absence a notable change to the ensemble. Although neither is expected to appear in Season 4, a return in a future season has not been ruled out.
Treasure Ayanfe Adetula
What Richard Clay’s Absence Means for George Russell
Page’s departure will affect the next season because Richard Clay is connected to one of the show’s biggest unanswered questions. Clay was George Russell’s business secretary before George fired him in Season 3 after a failed deal. He later began working for one of George’s business rivals, leaving their relationship in a tense state.
George was subsequently shot in an assassination attempt, and the identity of the person behind it remains unresolved. Some viewers have suspected Clay because of his falling-out with George, although the series has not confirmed his involvement. His absence from Season 4 could mean the mystery develops through other characters or that the show delays addressing Clay’s possible connection.
This does not necessarily close the door on that storyline. Clay could still appear as a guest in a future season. For now, viewers will have to wait to see how the series handles the unanswered questions surrounding George’s shooting.
Fortune’s Absence Leaves a Gap in Peggy’s Story
Jones’s exit affects a different part of the story. Fortune is the publisher of the New York Globe, the newspaper where Peggy works, and has been an important figure in her professional and personal life. He helped recognise her writing talent, while their relationship also introduced complications into her pursuit of independence.
However, Peggy’s story has moved forward. In the Season 3 finale, she accepted Dr William Kirkland’s marriage proposal, setting up a new chapter in her personal life. Season 4 is expected to explore the challenges surrounding their engagement, including tensions with William’s family and questions about where their future should take them.
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