Jack Treacher may have left the Brook House, but “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers doesn’t think his character’s story is over just yet. In a recent interview, Ahlers opened up about Jack’s 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

Jack’s 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 fortune—$300K (the 1880s equivalent of over $9 million today). While his newfound wealth brings opportunity, Ahlers says the decision to leave wasn’t easy for his character.

“He’s such a sweet, sweet boy,” Ahlers told Town & Country. “I cried when I read it because especially at that time—he lost his mother in the Peshtigo fire—with really no safety net beyond that house. To take that risk and cross that threshold, I could really understand that fear.”

The actor credited Ada Brook’s gentle encouragement as a key motivator for Jack’s leap of faith. He said the line that “really lands” for Jack was when she told him, “It wouldn’t be false for you to stay here, but it just wouldn’t 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 Jack’s invention sets him up for a comfortable future, Ahlers says his character is still grappling with the weight of sudden success.

“There certainly was this sense of, ‘Well, why me?’” he said. “I don’t think he sees himself as anything more special than the people he grew up with.”

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.

“Every 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 Jack’s humble roots, “The Gilded Age” star believes the character is itching to stay engaged.

“He’s not just going to sit around and be rich in his house,” he said. “I think he’s gotten an itch for the patent game, so I’m eager to see what he cooks up next…I’m anxiously awaiting what happens to him. I knock wood about a season four. We’ll see; that’s above my pay grade.”

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 isn’t so sure.

“He has the money, but he’s going to have to learn a lot,” he explained. “And I don’t know if he necessarily wants to have a house up in Newport.”

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 Jack’s next chapter as more of a self-discovery journey than a social climb.

“Jack will have some decisions to make,” he said. “Can 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.