‘They Reshape Your Body’: The Gilded Age Star Carrie Coon Talks About Challenges Of Being In Corset For Bertha Russell Role

As a devoted fan of historical dramas, I can’t help but be utterly captivated by Carrie Coon’s transformation into Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age. Her immersion into the lavish world of 19th-century fashion is nothing short of breathtaking.


During the opulent era known as The Gilded Age, actress Carrie Coon shared a revelation as she donned the elaborate costuming of high-society matriarch Bertha Russell. She confessed that this transformation was profoundly impactful on her.

As I stepped into those intricate costumes for my role, I couldn’t help but feel transformed – they completely redefined my physicality.

Moreover, not only were the corsets detailed, but equal care was given to her eyebrows. They were skillfully sculpted by makeup artist Nicki Ledermann to harmoniously blend with her wig.

In my role as a lifestyle expert, I must say that Coon’s dedication extended far beyond mere aesthetics. She captivated audiences not only with her striking on-screen appearances in gloves, gowns, hats, and elaborate hairstyles, but also endured the unglamorous realities of 19th-century fashion.

16 hours, donned in a rigid corset paired with towering heels, can truly wear you down, leaving one pondering – just how much? In her own words, “It drives you to lose your sanity.” This insightful remark explains my empathy towards those aristocratic ladies who were required to swap their attire numerous times daily for some respite. During the filming process, Coon and her dresser, Amber, turned corset-donning into a competitive game during breaks. They timed themselves to see how swiftly they could slip in and out of their restrictive, uncomfortable garments. However, the question remains, what was the rush?

They valued each moment of respite during their hectic routine since those moments were priceless, and they aimed to make the most of them. So, what’s coming up for her character on-screen? Quite a bit, indeed.

In the continuation of Season 3, Miss Coon hints at unexpected turns in store. Though she’s been vague on details, her obvious excitement about being surprised indicates potential thrilling revelations concerning Bertha Russell.

Besides anticipating a shared scene amongst the entire cast as a surprise, Coon cherishes such instances because they offer an opportunity for the whole ensemble to exhibit their hidden drama club talents. Notably, Coon primarily collaborates with Morgan Spector, Taissa Farmiga, and Harry Richardson. As a result, she tends to work separately from the rest of the cast.

1. She deeply values the camaraderie experienced when everyone unites, enjoying music, dance, and laughter together. The 43-year-old actress’s remarks about wearing corsets have sparked debate online, with some advocating for more comfortable clothing choices and others emphasizing the significance of historical authenticity in period productions.

The Gilded Age seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Max.

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2024-08-19 21:38