Jack Treacher may have left the Brook House, but “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers doesnât think his characterâs story is over just yet. In a recent interview, Ahlers opened up about Jackâs emotional farewell in season 3, episode 6 of the HBO period drama. He also teased what could come next for the former footman turned aspiring inventor.
A Bittersweet Farewell For ‘The Gilded Age’ Star
Jackâs departure from the Brook House comes after a major turning point for the character. He sold the patent for his alarm clock and pocketed a small fortuneâ$300K (the 1880s equivalent of over $9 million today). While his newfound wealth brings opportunity, Ahlers says the decision to leave wasnât easy for his character.
âHeâs such a sweet, sweet boy,â Ahlers told Town & Country. âI cried when I read it because especially at that timeâhe lost his mother in the Peshtigo fireâwith really no safety net beyond that house. To take that risk and cross that threshold, I could really understand that fear.â
The actor credited Ada Brookâs gentle encouragement as a key motivator for Jackâs leap of faith. He said the line that “really lands” for Jack was when she told him, âIt wouldnât be false for you to stay here, but it just wouldnât feel right somehow.” Ahlers explained that “sometimes you need a motherly figure to just push you out of the nest.”
Ben Ahlers Is Eager to See What Jack Cooks Up Next
Though Jackâs invention sets him up for a comfortable future, Ahlers says his character is still grappling with the weight of sudden success.
âThere certainly was this sense of, âWell, why me?ââ he said. âI donât think he sees himself as anything more special than the people he grew up with.â
That includes Bridget, the downstairs maid Jack had grown close to. Ahlers explained that Jack “really does care for Bridget,” noting that their bond adds emotional complexity to his decision to leave.
âEvery time there was this moment of exciting opportunity, we could cut to Bridget and we would see how proud and excited she was for him,” Ahlers said.
Despite Jackâs humble roots, “The Gilded Age” star believes the character is itching to stay engaged.
âHeâs not just going to sit around and be rich in his house,â he said. âI think heâs gotten an itch for the patent game, so Iâm eager to see what he cooks up nextâ¦Iâm anxiously awaiting what happens to him. I knock wood about a season four. Weâll see; thatâs above my pay grade.â
Could Jack Make the Leap Upstairs on ‘The Gilded Age’?
Now that Jack is financially secure, could he transition from downstairs staff to a new role in high society? Ahlers isnât so sure.
âHe has the money, but heâs going to have to learn a lot,â he explained. âAnd I donât know if he necessarily wants to have a house up in Newport.â
While Ahlers is curious to see if Jack might cross paths with characters like Larry Russell, potentially sparking a brotherly bond or business partnership, he sees Jackâs next chapter as more of a self-discovery journey than a social climb.
âJack will have some decisions to make,â he said. âCan I achieve success and feel good about it and carve out a life for myself, and can I do it in a way that still feels aligned with my values?”
New episodes of “The Gilded Age” air Sunday nights on HBO and HBO Max. All previous episodes are available to stream.
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