Episode 6 of The Gilded Age Season 3 delivered one of the show’s most heartbreaking and unexpected twists yet — the death of beloved character John Adams, portrayed by Claybourne Elder.
Known for his gentle demeanor and quiet strength, John’s tragic end comes at a pivotal moment in the storyline, leaving both his former lover Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and viewers devastated.
John Adams’ Journey on The Gilded Age
John Adams was first introduced as a potential suitor for Marian Brook, but it didn’t take long for fans to discover a deeper layer — he was secretly involved with Oscar van Rhijn, Marian’s cousin.
As a descendant of President John Adams, his character brought historical depth, but more importantly, he represented a rare and powerful queer narrative set in 19th-century New York society.
In a time when LGBTQ+ identities had to be hidden, John’s quiet defiance and growth stood out. While Oscar juggled his double life and pursued social advancement through marriage proposals to women like Gladys Russell, John chose self-acceptance.
In Season 2, he revealed to Oscar that he was in a relationship with another man and was finally happy with who he was.
His Role in Season 3
Season 3 saw John re-enter Oscar’s life, not as a lover but as a generous friend. When Oscar’s financial world collapsed due to Maud Beaton’s betrayal — a dancer who conned him in Season 2 — John stepped in with a life-saving investment. His willingness to help showed not just compassion but a maturity that Oscar still lacked.
A Major Loss for the Series and Representation
John’s death hits hard, not just for Oscar, but for the viewers who saw in him a rare portrayal of a queer man navigating life with dignity during an era of repression. It also marks the end — at least for now — of a meaningful LGBTQ storyline on The Gilded Age.
Claybourne Elder shared with Out magazine how special the role was for him as a queer actor. “Getting to portray a queer character in this particular historical setting feels both exciting and important,” he said. “Queer people have always been part of the story, even if history hasn’t always chosen to spotlight them.”
Julian Fellowes, the show’s creator, echoed that sentiment in an interview with PEOPLE, acknowledging that characters like John exist in “a society that is pretty intolerant of any aberration,” forcing many to live double lives.
He pointed out that real grief, like what Oscar experiences, has the power to break through the masks people wear.
What Comes Next for Oscar?
Oscar van Rhijn, who’s managed to keep his sexuality hidden while climbing the social ladder, is now emotionally unmoored. John’s death may finally force him to confront his true self and the life he’s been avoiding. Fellowes teased that the emotional fallout from John’s loss will play a key role in the rest of Season 3.
As Oscar battles heartbreak and guilt, viewers may see a more human and vulnerable side of a character who’s often been portrayed as calculating and reserved. His next steps could redefine not only his personal journey but also the tone of the series going forward.
John Adams’ shocking death in Season 3 of The Gilded Age is more than just a plot twist. It’s a loss that resonates deeply with fans and represents a rare historical portrayal of LGBTQ love and self-acceptance in mainstream period drama.
While his time on the show was brief, John leaves behind a legacy of quiet courage, compassion, and authenticity.
