Episode #72: The Real Mamie Fish with Ashlie Atkinson and Keith Taillon
Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish, known to all as just Mamie, was another of the larger-than-life personalities during the Gilded Age. For this episode, Carl is joined by historian and writer Keith Taillon, a returning listener favorite, as well as actor Ashlie Atkinson who portrays Mamie Fish in HBO’s “The Gilded Age” for a look at just who this complicated but fascinating real-life woman really was.
If you received an invitation to a party at Mamie Fish’s — you went. Mamie Fish with an iron-clad family pedigree and enough money to compete with other Gilded Age hostesses, was known as a “fun maker”. While at Mrs. Astor’s you may have cemented your role in society, at Mamie’s, you just had a really good time. Her parties bordered on the outrageous from inviting an elephant as a guest to co-hosting the famous dinner for dogs, some of them adorned with diamond collars. But just who was Mamie Fish — and why do we find her fascinating today? Historian Kieth Taillon and actor Ashlie Atkinson offer deeply insightful perspectives on this woman who perhaps sought to break out of the role prescribed to her and shake up society.
Mamie Fish, when looked at through a modern lens, was challenging, complicated, conflicted and certainly controversial — but given the Gilded Age’s restrictions and gender rules and roles, it’s interesting to consider how much she can also be considered a rebel and revolutionary for her time.
Carl is joined by special guests:
— Ashlie Atkinson, an award-winning theatre, film, and television actress who is currently in the cast of HBO’s The Gilded Age.
— Keith Taillon, a researcher, writer, historian, tour guide, and lecturer who has lived in Manhattan since 2010. Keith has appeared on The Gilded Gentleman on several episodes.
LISTEN NOW: THE REAL MAMIE FISH WITH ASHLIE ATKINSON & KEITH TAILLON
Related Podcasts:
Simon Jones (Bannister on HBO’s “The Gilded Age”): In Conversation – The Gilded Gentleman
The Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue – The Bowery Boys