shirt. Jacquemus
trousers. BALLY
boots. Jimmy Choo
For Harry Richardson, the first taste of performing magic came wrapped in a snowman costume. “When my pillow fell out from under my shirt I said, ‘Oh no I’ve melted,’” he recalls of a preschool play. “I think it was the best audience reaction I’ve ever had and I’ve been chasing that dragon ever since.” That early spark lit the path for an actor now best known for his role as Larry Russell in HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’, a character as buttoned-up as he is quietly rebellious. But Richardson’s career has been anything but rigid. His evolution as an actor mirrors the kind of roles he gravitates toward. As Larry, he brings nuance to a man pulled between his elite upbringing and his own desire to forge a new path during a season where audiences see him growing up.
Schön! chats with Harry Richardson to discuss his earliest acting beginnings, portraying Larry in ‘The Gilded Age,’ and more.
What first drew you to acting, and at what moment did you realize it could be more than just a passion?
My first role [that] I remember was playing the snowman in a school production of the same name at age four. When my pillow fell out from under my shirt, I said, “Oh no, I’ve melted.” I think it was the best audience reaction I’ve ever had, and I’ve been chasing that dragon ever since.
What was the turning point when you knew acting wasn’t just a dream but something you were truly going to pursue?
In high school, I played Henry in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’ and ‘V’ set in a skatepark. I remember Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” was the closing song, and I felt a clarity doing those shows that I wanted to do a lot more of this.
How has your approach to character development evolved from your early roles to now?
I think as a young actor, I always wanted to escape myself, and now I’m more interested in finding out more of who I am in relation to other beings.
What kinds of stories or characters are you drawn to at this point in your career—and why?
Right now, I’m drawn to kind humans who embark on adventure, lead with love and a passion for life. Art is meditation that begs the question, what do you want to consume and what do you want to create?
shirt. Carlos Pineda
opposite
sweater. Our Legacy
trousers. Bellstaff
What initially attracted you to ‘The Gilded Age’, and how did you prepare for the role of Larry Russell?
The time period is resplendent and I was intrigued to adventure to that era of New York, especially as so few films or shows have explored it. I prepared for the role of Larry by consuming a lot of information via books and documentaries about the time, and we also had an etiquette BootCamp, which was very helpful.
Larry Russell is both a product of his elite upbringing and someone trying to carve his own identity. How do you balance those opposing forces in your performance?
I think Larry has been rejecting his parental influence for the last few years, but this season he seems to be finding more of his parents’ energy running through his being. He still wants to embark on his own business and romantic path, but the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
In what ways do you think Larry changes from season to season? What’s been the most pivotal moment for him so far?
In the first and second seasons, we see Larry fighting against his parents to become an architect and date someone his mother didn’t approve of. This season, we see him growing up and making his own choices, not looking for approval or defiance, but moving with his own confidence, heart and business skills. I think his first heartbreak was pivotal for his growth, as it is for most of us.
Are there aspects of Larry’s journey that have surprised you as the series has progressed?
I was pleasantly surprised to see Larry’s complexity develop this year. His trip to the haymarket was particularly spicy.
opposite
shirt. Jacquemus
What has ‘The Gilded Age’ taught you about collaboration, both with fellow actors and with the creative team?
Everyone involved on this production is so kind and phenomenally talented in all departments, so I have learnt a lot about how the whole unit comes together with such strengths to make something truly special. I learn to listen as much as possible because there is so much experience collectively behind this project.
Costume plays a big role in the show’s identity. How do the clothes affect your understanding or embodiment of Larry?
The costumes are exquisite, hand-made with such beautiful details and structure. I think this adds to the intentionality of Larry as well as his poise and manners. I find my brain chemistry changes even off camera when I’m wearing these beautiful suits.
shirt. Jacquemus
trousers. BALLY
boots. Jimmy Choo
opposite
coat. Jil Sander
shirt. Chanel
trousers. Armani
Are there any behind-the-scenes moments or challenges you found especially memorable or meaningful during filming?
I loved working with Ben this season because we’re such good friends, it just felt like an epic gift to hang out and riff together on an awesome story arc.
How has being part of ‘The Gilded Age’ influenced your view of storytelling, or even your goals as an actor?
The show has taught me the power of world-building. There are so many wonderful characters and historical details, so the stories build in many directions at once. I love that multifaceted style, many working as one. Perhaps a goal of mine would be to try my hand at the opposite, an individual character on a personal journey.
If you could manifest something for yourself this year, what would it be?
I would love to manifest projects involving great adventure and vibration. Also for love to come for everyone.
coat. Jil Sander
shirt. Chanel
trousers. Armani
The Gilded Age is airing now.
photography. Elys Berroteran
fashion. Victor Lopez
talent. Harry Richardson
hair + make up. Isabella Nicolay
interview. Kelsey Barnes
