The Kilted Age: Claybourne Elder models the power of queer history and parenting

Claybourne Elder, as photographed by Ron Amato

Photographer Ron Amato had planned to shoot Claybourne Elder — a gay actor known forThe Gilded Age as well as his many theatrical roles, including Company on Broadway — as part of his Theater Folk portrait project. But the shoot expanded into a larger fashion series, which was then recorded by Amy C. Davies for the Provincetown Art Association & Museum.

Here, Amato discusses the shoot with Elder, and his admiration for the actor as well as the power of theater.

Out: What was your creative vision in this shoot of Claybourne Elder?
Amato: Clay was incredibly generous with his time, which allowed us to approach it as a fashion shoot. I sent him some inspiration images and he was all in. I knew I wanted to capture four or five looks. I approached Carlos Jimenez, designer and owner of Kilt Plus, because something about the idea of Clay in a kilt just felt right. Carlos was on set to help style Clay in some of his designs. My friends Trevor and Ed graciously provided the beautiful location that inspired all of us. I envisioned the images to have a slightly retro vibe, showcasing Clay as a romantic leading man.

Why were you drawn to him as a subject?
Of course I’m familiar with Claybourne’s work on The Gilded Age and in the Broadway revival of Company. Beyond being devastatingly handsome, he has an intriguing personal story. He’s an openly gay dad who grew up Mormon. He also has a very moving story about a stranger buying him a ticket to a Broadway show when he was visiting New York as a young man. Everyone should listen to his episode of This American Life, where he shares that experience. Clay just seemed like someone I would truly enjoy spending time photographing.

What inspired your Theater Folk photography series?
I love creating environmental portraits. I was in the middle of a multi-year project called Artists of Provincetown, which focuses on environmental portraits of artists with deep ties to Provincetown. However, since I’m based in New York most of the time, I typically work in the studio when I’m there. Still, the artist project had me longing to do something similar in New York. My first love has always been theater, and my grad degree is from a performing arts program, so it felt like a natural next step. The project was interrupted by the pandemic, which pulled my focus away for a while, but I’m slowly picking it back up again.

How do you hope your art — and the art of theater — moves hearts and minds in the world today?
Art has the power to move hearts and minds, but only if the audience is open to be moved. I am deeply affected by all forms of art, but theater— wow, I cry in the theater more than anywhere else. Tears of joy or anguish, those experiences must change people, even if only subtly. In my teaching practice, I encourage students to create work they truly care about and it will find an audience. I try to live that philosophy myself. For me, it’s about authenticity — I strive to be my authentic self in the work I create. Right now, my focus is on finding joy. If I can convey that through my art, I believe it will resonate with people and help guide them toward their own joy. I’m done with anger— it hasn’t worked. Joy is my new approach.

Ahead, see Amato's shoot of Claybourne Elder — as well as an interview with The Gilded Age star.

What response have you gotten from fans of the show?

It’s been so touching to hear from people who are excited to see a queer character represented in this time period, especially in a way that feels layered and authentic. I’ve gotten messages from viewers who say they see themselves in John Adams’s story, which means the world to me.

And then, of course, there are the Gilded Age fans who just love the drama, the costumes, and all the social maneuvering — people who get completely wrapped up in the world of the show. It’s been really fun engaging with them, hearing theories, and seeing their excitement for what’s next. The show has such a passionate audience, and I feel really lucky to be part of it.

Has working with one been a particular highlight?

My first day on set was during the pandemic, before the vaccine had been introduced, and it seemed just crazy to be back at work. We were one of the first productions to go back and we were testing and isolating to make sure everyone stayed safe. On my first day, I was working with Christine Baranski on a scene, and I was so overwhelmed. Both to be acting with someone I have so much respect for, but also just to be back at work. We started doing takes, and there was a line that I kept forgetting to say. Christine noticed that I was feeling a little out of sorts, so she started very gently turning to look me in the eyes to cue me to say the line. Haha, it was so gentle and kind and made me feel so safe.

Louisa Jacobson came out during Pride Month last year. As her cast mate, how did that make you feel — and have you had any conversations with her about this milestone that you could share?

It’s always a beautiful thing when someone steps into their truth and shares it with the world on their own terms. She’s such a wonderful, thoughtful, and deeply talented person, and seeing her embrace that part of herself so openly was really moving. We had gotten close while filming, especially when we’ve been out of town, and I always had kind of older-brother-like feelings about her. So we had a bond as cast mates, but there’s something really special about sharing that connection within the LGBTQ+ community as well.

It’s also just a reminder of how important visibility is. The more people see queer identities represented in different spaces — whether in history, on screen, or in real life — the more it helps foster understanding and acceptance.

How has your Mormon background shaped your journey as a gay actor and man?

Growing up Mormon definitely shaped my journey in a profound way. The church was such a huge part of my upbringing — it gave me a sense of community and a deep appreciation for music and performance. But, of course, being a gay man in that environment was complicated.

For a long time, I struggled with reconciling who I was with what I was taught. There was a lot of unlearning, a lot of self-discovery, and, honestly, some pain in that process. But ultimately, it made me stronger. It taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of living authentically.

As an actor, I think it’s given me a unique perspective — I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider, to have to fight for your place in the world. That informs so much of how I approach my work and the kinds of stories I want to tell. And at the end of the day, I’ve found my own sense of faith — not in a traditional sense, but in love, in kindness, and in the power of being true to yourself.

Ron Amato