Carrie Coon, acclaimed for her role as Bertha Russell on HBO’s The Gilded Age, recently shared some candid reflections on balancing intense period drama work with playful, modern experiences, including her adventures with a Ghostbuster proton pack. In a recent interview, Coon offered fans a rare glimpse into her life off-screen and the skills she’s honed along the way, revealing both the rigor of her craft and the joys of stepping outside her historical persona.
Coon described the moment she first handled a proton pack, explaining that operating the equipment requires a surprising amount of coordination and energy. “It’s heavier than it looks,” she admitted. “You have to get the stance right, understand the weight distribution, and then coordinate movement with precision. It’s a combination of physicality and timing, like learning choreography but for science fiction.” She laughed as she recounted fumbling through her first attempts, noting that the training involved both patience and a healthy sense of humor.
Interestingly, the actor found unexpected parallels between mastering the proton pack and embodying Bertha Russell. Both demand attention to detail, control, and confidence. In The Gilded Age, every gesture, glance, and line carries weight in a world governed by social scrutiny and unspoken rules. Similarly, handling the proton pack requires awareness of your body and surroundings, and the ability to execute movements deliberately. “In both cases, it’s about presence,” Coon explained. “Whether it’s a ballroom or a ghost-infested building, you have to commit fully to what you’re doing.”
Beyond the physicality of her roles, Coon touched on the peculiar experience of public anonymity. Despite her prominent work in The Gilded Age, she shared that she often goes unrecognized in everyday life. “It’s a strange gift,” she said. “I get to live in relative normalcy. People might see me and not know exactly who I am, which is a relief after months of playing someone so high-profile and commanding.” This anonymity, she noted, allows her to engage with the world without the constant gaze that many actors experience, providing a rare balance between stardom and privacy.
Coon’s reflections reveal the human side of life as a professional actor, where technical skill, historical research, and physical agility intersect with humor, humility, and real-world grounding. Whether she’s navigating Bertha Russell’s intricate social hierarchy or carefully aiming a proton pack, Coon approaches each challenge with curiosity and dedication.
Fans of The Gilded Age and pop culture enthusiasts alike can take inspiration from Coon’s dual experiences. Her ability to toggle between period drama gravitas and playful, hands-on engagement with modern fandom highlights both her versatility and her love for storytelling in all its forms. In an industry often dominated by spectacle, Coon’s candid insights remind audiences that the craft of acting—whether in a 19th-century ballroom or a fictional ghost chase—is a blend of skill, focus, and genuine joy.
