In the opulent world of HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age,’ Denée Benton has carved a remarkable niche as Peggy Scott, a character whose depth and complexity have challenged historical norms. Season 3 elevates Peggy to an ‘It’ girl, spotlighting her personal and professional growth within the high-society drama. This article explores Benton’s journey, her collaboration with the show’s creators, and the significance of portraying a nuanced Black experience in 19th-century America.
From her family’s affluent Brooklyn background to her burgeoning romance and literary aspirations, Peggy’s evolution reflects a broader exploration of class, colorism, and identity. Through exclusive insights from Denée Benton, we delve into the creative process that shaped Peggy’s character, the historical context that informs her story, and the impact of her representation on television.
Peggy’s Groundbreaking Backstory
One of the most compelling aspects of ‘The Gilded Age’ is its portrayal of New York’s wealthy Black community during the pre-Harlem Renaissance era. Denée Benton’s character, Peggy Scott, defies expectations from the outset. The reveal that Peggy hails from a well-to-do Black family in Brooklyn, where her father runs a successful drugstore, subverts typical historical narratives. This portrayal offers a rare glimpse into a segment of society often overlooked in mainstream media.
This season, the series delves deeper into the Scott family dynamics. Following a brief illness, Peggy is taken to Newport, where she encounters Dr. William Kirkland, sparking a potential romance. This development introduces a fascinating exploration of old versus new money within the Black community, adding layers of complexity to the show’s themes of class and social standing.
Expanding the Show’s Perspective
Denée Benton expressed her excitement about expanding the show’s focus to include a more established Black society in Newport. According to Denée, being part of this legacy is incredible, she recalls back in 2019 when she got cast in this role, there were really the only three Black people involved in the project: Dr. Erica Dunbar, a historian who’s now an EP; director and EP Salli Richardson-Whitfield; and Denée herself. They started dreaming out loud about how this show could be special.
This season introduces the Kirklands, an old-money Black family descended from generations of free Black Americans. Their pride in their lineage leads to intriguing interactions with Peggy’s family, highlighting the nuances of colorism and social hierarchy within the Black community. This dynamic adds a fresh layer to the show’s examination of class warfare.
Diligent Collaboration and Changes
Benton emphasizes the collaborative effort behind the show’s nuanced depiction of Black life. “I would call it a miracle,” she says, “but it came from diligent collaboration.” She notes that the team worked to break stereotypes and blind spots. This collaboration has led to significant changes in Peggy’s character and storyline, enriching the narrative and providing a more authentic representation.
Originally, Peggy was intended to be Marian’s companion. However, the creative team reimagined her role, integrating her writing skills and placing her at the Globe, a Black publication. This shift allowed for a broader exploration of Black life and culture, moving beyond predominantly white spaces. The inclusion of elements like a Black ball at the end of the season further underscores the commitment to authenticity and representation.
Interest in the Gilded Age
Benton’s interest in Black history has been a driving force in her portrayal of Peggy. While she was familiar with figures like Ida B. Wells, she delved deeper into the history of wealthy Black communities in Brooklyn through resources like Carla L. Peterson’s ‘Black Gotham.’ These resources revealed the existence of Black female writers in the 19th century who grappled with issues of intersectionality, wealth disparity, and colorism—themes that resonate in ‘The Gilded Age.’
These historical insights have informed the relationships between characters, particularly the dynamic between Peggy, Mrs. Kirkland, and other members of the Black community. By grounding the show in historical accuracy, the creators have crafted a compelling and relevant narrative that sheds light on a complex and often overlooked aspect of American history.
Peggy as an ‘It’ Girl
In this season, Peggy gets to be her own “It” girl for a moment. She’s speaking to a crowd about her political endeavors. She’s writing her novel. She’s got this cute man that saved her life. She’s in these colors we haven’t seen her in in the whole show. When Peggy gets into her conversations with Mrs. Kirkland, she’s not naïve, she just doesn’t even know to censor herself.
It’s nice to see Peggy finally getting lost in a love story that could work out. She is not at the center of colorism yet as she is in the midst of a love story. However, Denée pulls from her own experiences for the role as she states, “I have my own dreams of getting to be in films at all levels and getting to do magical realism with Yorgos Lanthimos. You say that, with my complexion, to an agent, and they’re like, “Okay, kid, best of luck.”
Family and Relationships
Denée likes that it’s Peggy’s parents’ turn to show up for her because they dropped the ball in the earlier seasons. They get the opportunity to ride for her as we see the season develop. At this point, we’ve only seen Peggy bring up her connection with Dr. Kirkland to her mother and aunt. Peggy felt an immediate spark with this man, especially when he asked to read her work.
To a woman in the 1800s, this man said, “Let me read your writing.” And then the story he told her about her father being someone who inspired him made Peggy jump. It’s like, You saw me with my Miss Celie plaits while I’m fighting for my life in my little nightgown. The cliff walk is the moment she really lets herself release into what feels good.
Conclusion
Denée Benton’s portrayal of Peggy Scott in ‘The Gilded Age’ is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of collaboration in storytelling. Through meticulous research and a commitment to authenticity, Benton and the show’s creators have crafted a character that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. As Peggy navigates the complexities of class, colorism, and identity, she emerges as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and self-discovery.
Season 3 promises to further explore Peggy’s journey as she embraces her role as an ‘It’ girl and confronts the challenges and opportunities that come her way. Denée Benton’s dedication to her craft and her passion for Black history have made Peggy Scott a groundbreaking character in television history, paving the way for more nuanced and authentic representation in the future.
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