Discover how Broadway alum Denée Benton shaped Peggy Scott’s character in The Gilded Age pushing for authentic Black representation both on screen and behind the scenes .
How Peggy Scott Became Her Own Story
Denée Benton a Tony nominated Broadway star brings depth and agency to Peggy Scott in The Gilded Age From her very first audition Benton felt a powerful kinship with Peggy—a Black woman from an upper middle class background a story rarely seen in period dramas Raised by educated professional parents Peggy reflects Benton’s own heritage and highlights a lineage often erased from mainstream historical narratives .
A Voice That Transformed the Script
After being cast Benton used her influence to push for behind the scenes changes She advocated for the inclusion of Black creatives such as Dr Erica Armstrong Dunbar as co executive producer Salli Richardson Whitfield and Sonja Warfield in the writers room These changes ensured Peggy’s storyline was rich honest and deeply rooted in real history The result layered friendships across racial lines and an exploration of Black professional life in the 1880s including the New York Globe and T Thomas Fortune .
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The Role Behind the Role
Before HBO Benton made her mark on Broadway From touring with The Book of Mormon to earning a Tony nomination for Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 2017 and later taking on Eliza in Hamilton Benton honed her craft on the stage These experiences gave her both resilience and narrative awareness—tools she brought fully to Peggy .
Dignity Resistance and Intersectional Truth
Benton insists on erasing historical erasure Peggy is not a token but a writer intellectual and community advocate—a woman navigating societal limitations with strength Key scenes like setting boundaries with white friend Marian were shaped by Benton and co star Louisa Jacobson to reflect honest interracial dynamics and self respect .
Looking Ahead A Legacy of Representation
As Peggy’s journey expands in Season 3—with romantic arcs and intellectual pursuits—Benton hopes audiences recognize the lasting dignity and brilliance of Black women past and present By championing stories that were nearly lost to time Benton ensures Peggy stands as a powerful symbol of historical truth and cultural reclamation .
Final Thoughts
Denée Benton’s impact goes far beyond her performance Through Peggy Scott she redefined what period drama representation can look like—centered dignified and long overdue .