Actor Claybourne Elder from 'The Gilded Age' Discusses the Stunning Demise of His Character
In the world of The Gilded Age, Claybourne Elder portrays John Adams, a beloved and earnest character who, unbeknownst to many, is the secret gay lover of Oscar van Rhijn. This intriguing relationship, contrasted with Oscar's public engagement to Gladys Russell, forms a significant LGBTQ storyline within the show.
John Adams, a descendant of President John Adams, is a prominent figure in New York's 19th-century elite. His life, however, takes a tragic turn in season 3 when he is fatally struck by a horse-drawn carriage. This accident, emphasized by the showrunners as a straightforward event, underscores the presence and importance of queer individuals in history.
The death of John Adams is a heartbreaking event for the series, marking a major blow to the narrative. His passing is a turning point that deeply affects Oscar's character development and raises the stakes in the series' storyline.
Away from the screen, Elder is a celebrated actor who first rose to prominence in theater, appearing alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Broadway revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" in 2017. He is looking forward to some well-deserved downtime with his husband, playwright and theater director Eric Rosen, and their 8-year-old son, Claybourne "Bo" Philip Rosen-Elder.
Elder is an advocate for representing the LGBTQ+ experience in stories and wants his work to inspire kids from rural areas that having a family as a gay person is possible. He is set to return to the stage with his touring concert, "If the Stars Were Mine."
The Gilded Age is currently enjoying a surge in viewership and was renewed for a fourth season. Elder recorded songs from the show as a solo album, set for release later this year.
It's worth noting that John Adams was initially introduced in the premiere season as a prospective love interest for Marian Brook. Elder recently starred in the Tony-winning revival of "Company" in 2021.
Elder has been documenting his experiences on set, including his death scene stunts, on Instagram, offering a glimpse into the making of this groundbreaking series.
- Claybourne Elder, beyond his captivating portrayal of John Adams in The Gilded Age, is also an advocate for representing the LGBTQ+ culture in entertainment, hoping to inspire kids from rural areas who view his family as a testament to the possibility of having a family as a gay person.
- The cultural significance of entertainment, as showcased by The Gilded Age, is amplified by Elder's involvement, whose solo album containing songs from the show is set for release later this year, spotlighting the series' important LGBTQ storyline and historical representation.
