As an extra in The Gilded Age, Michaela Mooney, M.S. ’87, got all dressed up and scored an insider’s view of the making of the HBO hit series.
Michaela Mooney, M.S. ’87, thinks retirement is pretty great.
One of the things that’s made it especially great is that she landed a role as an extra in Season 2 of the HBO series, The Gilded Age, which was filmed in Newport, R.I., in 2022.
“I’m pretty sure I got the role because not a lot of women my age grow their hair this long,” says Mooney. “I blame it on the pandemic!”
Mooney, who earned her URI master’s degree in college student personnel, worked at URI for 31 years in roles that included communications, development, admission, and new student orientation. She retired in 2018.
Mooney graciously answered a few questions about her unique experience.
—Barbara Caron
How did you find out the show needed extras?
A newspaper article caught my attention: It specifically stated they were looking for women with long, natural-colored hair to portray a member of the upper class—a spectator at a tennis match.
Did you have to try out?
I submitted the required photographs in March 2022 and a month later got a response asking me to send back-facing photos so they could get a closer look at my hair color. Shortly thereafter I was asked to submit my body measurements—I made the required waist measurements by a half inch!
How much time did you devote to your role, all told?
Besides a costume fitting, I was on set three full days in mid-May 2022. They required onsite COVID testing, and masks were required except when filming. Days began at 3 a.m., and you could order breakfast while you waited to have your hair and makeup done. Costume assistants got us dressed, and we were bused to the Tennis Hall of Fame, right down the road. They served lunch at La Forge Casino. I was impressed with the communication and the coordination of so many moving parts.
Are you a fan of the show?
I was a fan of Downton Abbey and was disappointed when it ended. So, when I heard that Julian Fellowes, the writer/creator of Downton Abbey, was behind The Gilded Age, I was on board. And I do like a period drama.
In which episode and scene can we spot you?
Season 2, Episode 2—shot at the Tennis Hall of Fame. You can easily identify me holding a green parasol and being bumped into by an obviously inebriated main character. I had to act startled and upset. Blink, and you’ll miss my reaction! We were referred to on-set as “background,” not extras.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
I had roles in college and community theater and a role in URI’s The Children’s Hour—about 30 years ago! Shoutout to Tony Estrella ’93 (artistic director of Gamm Theatre in Warwick and a faculty member at URI), my love interest in the play!
Was the costume uncomfortable?
Laughingly, I asked if I might take the corset home—it made for wonderful posture. I couldn’t really sit comfortably with the bustle/bumroll on, but I managed. The skirt was a series of layers and I was outfitted with everything from stockings to kid leather gloves, to period earrings and a brooch. My hat was designed to match my costume. Every detail of every costume worn by the extras was authentic. When I was being fitted, I inquired about the clothing and was told mine was made in Italy.
Best part of this experience?
Being behind the scenes and watching how it all came together. I brought a book to read during downtimes, but I never opened it because watching what was going on was fascinating.
Assuming this isn’t a typical day for you, what is?
Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—it’s better! Every day is like Saturday. I’m focused on staying healthy, exercising, and connecting with friends, old and new.
Photo: Courtesy Michaela Mooney