5 Shocking Facts About Julia Schlaepfer: The Breakout Star Of 1923 And Her Life After Alexandra Dutton

Julia Schlaepfer has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and captivating young actresses, transitioning seamlessly from the calculating world of prep-school politics to the rugged, unforgiving plains of the American West. As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around her career is dominated by the dramatic, "darker" second season of the *Yellowstone* prequel *1923*, where her character, Alexandra Dutton, faces a harrowing journey across the Atlantic. Her ability to embody two vastly different, yet equally complex, characters—the fiercely ambitious Alice Charles in Netflix's *The Politician* and the adventurous, runaway British royal Alexandra Dutton—has made her a breakout star. This deep-dive article explores her complete professional profile, the astonishing transformation required for her current role, the latest updates on her career, and the truth behind the persistent real-life romance rumors that have captivated fans of the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Julia Schlaepfer: Complete Biography & Professional Profile

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Julia Schlaepfer’s path to acting was anything but conventional, beginning in the highly disciplined world of classical dance before pivoting to the dramatic arts. Her rigorous training and academic dedication set the stage for her rapid rise in the entertainment industry.

• Full Name: Julia Schlaepfer
• Date of Birth: March 6, 1996
• Age (as of 2025): 29 years old
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Early Career: Before acting, she trained extensively as a ballerina with the renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet.
• Education: Schlaepfer is an alumna of the Atlantic Acting School at New York University (NYU), graduating in 2017. She notably made the Dean's List, demonstrating her commitment to her craft.
• Breakthrough Role 1: Alice Charles in *The Politician* (2019–2020), a Netflix series created by Ryan Murphy.
• Breakthrough Role 2: Alexandra "Alex" Dutton in *1923* (2022–2025), the Paramount+ prequel to *Yellowstone*.
• Other Notable TV Appearances: Maggie Fallon in *Instinct* (2018) and Celeste in *American Horror Stories* (2022).

The Astonishing Transformation: From Alice Charles to Alexandra Dutton

The duality of Julia Schlaepfer's two most famous roles showcases her impressive range and commitment to character work. The jump from a satirical political drama to a sweeping, historical Western epic is a rare feat for any young actress.

Mastering the Modern vs. The Period Piece

In *The Politician*, Schlaepfer played Alice Charles, the highly polished, meticulously organized, and politically savvy girlfriend of main character Payton Hobart. This role required a sharp, contemporary performance, embodying the calculated ambition of a modern-day political operative. Her look was sleek, her dialogue fast-paced, and her character arc revolved around strategic maneuvering within an elite social circle.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The shift to Alexandra Dutton in *1923* demanded a total overhaul. Alexandra is a British socialite who abandons her aristocratic life—and a fiancé—to pursue a passionate romance with the rugged Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) in Africa. The character is defined by her grit, her adventurous spirit, and her willingness to sacrifice comfort for love.

The Challenge of the British Accent

One of the most significant challenges for the American-born Schlaepfer was mastering the authentic 1920s British accent. Her background at NYU, where she took a full semester of speech training, proved invaluable. She has discussed the importance of getting the accent right, especially for a character whose high-society background is central to her initial identity before she sheds it for the Dutton family's world.

Alexandra's journey is one of profound physical and emotional change. She goes from wearing designer gowns to enduring a harrowing trans-Atlantic voyage, which is a major focus of the latest season. Schlaepfer's portrayal has earned critical praise for capturing both the initial aristocratic defiance and the growing, resilient strength of a woman determined to forge her own path.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

What's Next for Julia Schlaepfer After the 'Darker' 1923 Season 2? (2025 Updates)

The conclusion of *1923* Season 2 marks a pivotal moment in Julia Schlaepfer’s career. As of the most recent updates in 2025, she has no publicly announced projects beyond her current role in the *Yellowstone* universe, positioning her as one of the most in-demand actresses for upcoming film and television roles in 2026.

The Emotional and 'Darker' Season 2 Storyline

Interviews with Julia Schlaepfer in early 2025 confirmed that the second season of *1923* would be a "darker" and more overwhelming experience for Alexandra. The season premiere brought a major plot twist with the revelation of Alexandra's pregnancy, adding a layer of profound complication to her already perilous journey. This development ensures her character's fate is now inextricably linked to the future of the Dutton family ranch in Montana, even while she is separated from her husband, Spencer Dutton. She has openly discussed the emotional weight of portraying a character enduring such intense separation and hardship, acknowledging that the on-screen romance that defined Season 1 has been replaced by a struggle for survival and reunion.

The separation of Alexandra and Spencer, a storyline that has been described by Taylor Sheridan as a necessary "drag" for the characters, is designed to test their bond and elevate the stakes for the entire Dutton narrative. Schlaepfer's performance in Season 2 has been highlighted for showing a new level of "grit and her strength" as she navigates her solo challenges.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Real-Life Romance Rumors: Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar

The undeniable, electric chemistry between Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton, has been a cornerstone of the *1923* series. Their on-screen, whirlwind romance, which saw an aristocratic Englishwoman and a traumatized big-game hunter fall in love at first sight, fueled intense speculation about a real-life relationship.

The On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Friendship

Both actors have spoken candidly about their strong connection and the immediate rapport they shared, which was crucial for making the Spencer and Alex love story believable. They bonded quickly on set, engaging in activities like horseback riding and even getting mani-pedis together, which helped them develop a deep, "thick as thieves" friendship.

Addressing the Dating Status (2025 Update)

Despite the passionate on-screen dynamic, the most current information suggests that Julia Schlaepfer is currently single. There were persistent rumors that she and Brandon Sklenar were dating in real life, which were further fueled by their public appearances and social media interactions. However, recent fan speculation and reports, including mentions of Schlaepfer unfollowing Sklenar on social media, suggest that any romantic relationship, if it ever existed, has concluded. For now, the epic love story of Alexandra and Spencer Dutton remains strictly a cinematic masterpiece, while Julia Schlaepfer focuses on her burgeoning career as she awaits her next major role following the conclusion of the *1923* saga.

As Julia Schlaepfer moves beyond the *Yellowstone* universe, her established topical authority in both high-stakes political drama and historical period pieces makes her a formidable talent. Industry insiders are keenly watching to see which major project—be it a blockbuster film or another prestige television series—will secure her next, ensuring she remains one of the most exciting young stars to follow into 2026.