Gladys Russell (portrayed by Taissa Farmiga) is the daughter of the wealthy railroad tycoon George Russell and his wife Bertha Russell. Although her family is "new money," she has long been accustomed to extreme wealth. She has an independent streak, though is outmatched by her mother Bertha, who uses her as her own tool in socially advantageous situations.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Gladys is the younger child and only daughter of the Russell family. Gladys was born around 1865, making her 17 in season 1. Her parents came from humble beginnings, but her father became incredibly wealthy as a railroad tycoon, and Gladys has always been accustomed to their wealth. She has an older brother, Larry.
Gladys grew up sheltered, under her mother's tight control. She had a governess, Grant, until just before she was brought out in society in 1882. Due to her immense wealth, she was surrounded by suitors even before being introduced formally to society.
Season 1[]
Archie Baldwin, a young investment banker, seemed to take a real interest in Gladys, but Bertha didn't approve of him. They met at a hotel with Gladys's governess, which led to her being fired.
Her mother was finally convinced to let her have a ladies’ maid instead of a replacement governess.
Gladys kept trying to sneak out of the estate with the help of her new maid, but was always caught by her mother. Finally, her parents invited Archie to have dinner with the family. Gladys was greatly pleased, until after the dinner when he hastily left, acting coldly towards her. Gladys knew that her father had done something to drive him away, and was deeply upset by this betrayal, despite her mother insisting it was for the best.
Season 2[]
Oscar van Rhijn spent about a year in pursue of Gladys's hand, and Gladys considered his proposal as a pathway to freedom. Her father, George rejected Oscar, as he's determined on a love match for his daughter, and he could tell that Oscar was after a marriage of convenience.
Hector, Duke of Buckingham starts spending more time with the Russell family.
Quotes[]
Gallery[]
