UPDATE: Broadway star Jordan Donica has ignited a thrilling romance on HBO’s hit series The Gilded Age, captivating viewers with his portrayal of Dr. William Kirkland. This pivotal character’s entrance in episode two has added a new layer of complexity to the love life of fan-favorite Peggy Scott, played by Deneé Benton.
The drama escalated during last night’s episode five titled “A Different World,” where tensions rose between Dr. Kirkland and Peggy’s former employer, T. Thomas Fortune. As Peggy navigates her new romantic connection, she faces an unexpected challenge from her past, further complicating her blossoming relationship with Dr. Kirkland.
Initially introduced while treating Peggy for a cold, Dr. Kirkland’s relationship with Peggy quickly evolved. Their romance flourished in episode three, “Love Is Never Easy,” during a picturesque seaside stroll in Newport, Rhode Island. However, the course of their love is anything but smooth. Peggy’s mother, played by the talented Audra McDonald, and Dr. Kirkland’s formidable mother, portrayed by Phylicia Rashad, present significant roadblocks to their happiness.
Mrs. Kirkland’s objections stem not only from class but also from deep-seated issues of race and family history, particularly given Peggy’s father’s background as a formerly enslaved man. This tension creates a dramatic backdrop as viewers speculate whether Dr. Kirkland and Peggy could be headed toward marriage.
The stakes were raised further when Fortune approached Peggy with a career-defining opportunity to interview abolitionist icon Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, much to Dr. Kirkland’s dismay. When Fortune unexpectedly appeared at the train station to accompany Peggy, Dr. Kirkland’s protective instincts kicked in, showcasing his commitment to Peggy.
“I’m always going to be kind and maintain my gentlemanly composure. But if you want to fight, I don’t mind,” Donica shared about his character’s fierce love for Peggy.
Donica’s Broadway experience enriches his role, but he emphasizes that it was his authentic connection with the character that secured him the role. “It felt very natural and symbiotic,” he explained, reinforcing the importance of representation in historical narratives.
The emotional weight of the characters’ backgrounds resonates deeply as Dr. Kirkland strives to balance love for both Peggy and his mother. His journey reflects ongoing conversations about race, identity, and community within the Black experience in America.
Viewers are eager to see how this compelling love story unfolds as new episodes of The Gilded Age continue to air weekly until August 10, 2023, exclusively on HBO Max. With each episode, the stakes rise, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the romance between Dr. Kirkland and Peggy intensifies, fans are left wondering: can love triumph over the barriers of family legacy and societal expectations?
