From Political Strategist To Western Countess: Julia Schlaepfer's 7 Must-Watch Movies And TV Shows

Julia Schlaepfer has rapidly emerged as one of Hollywood's most versatile young actresses, captivating audiences with her range from a ruthless political aspirant to a spirited Western heroine. As of December 15, 2025, her career trajectory is defined by two monumental roles: the calculating Alice Charles in the Netflix hit *The Politician* and the fiercely independent Alexandra Dutton in the *Yellowstone* prequel series, *1923*. This article dives deep into her complete filmography, highlighting the key performances that have cemented her status as a star on the rise.

Her work showcases a remarkable ability to embody complex characters across vastly different genres, from the satirical world of Ryan Murphy to the rugged, epic storytelling of Taylor Sheridan. While fans eagerly await her next major announcement beyond the Dutton universe, her current body of work offers a compelling look at a talent who is only just getting started.

Julia Schlaepfer: Biography and Profile

Julia Nicole Schlaepfer is an American actress whose career exploded following her casting in two high-profile streaming series. Her foundation in the arts is both rigorous and diverse, providing the depth seen in her on-screen performances.

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• Full Name: Julia Nicole Schlaepfer
• Date of Birth: March 3, 1995
• Place of Birth: Washington, USA
• Education: Schlaepfer is a graduate of the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she honed her skills in acting and performance.
• Early Career: Before transitioning to acting, she was a dedicated ballet dancer, a discipline that instilled the focus and work ethic she brings to her roles.
• Breakout Roles: Alice Charles in *The Politician* (2019–2020) and Alexandra Dutton in *1923* (2022–2025).
• Current Status: One of the central stars in the *Yellowstone* universe, a franchise created by Taylor Sheridan.

The Defining Roles: From Netflix Satire to the Western Epic

Schlaepfer's career is marked by two roles that are polar opposites yet equally demanding, proving her versatility and star power.

1. 1923 (TV Series, 2022–2025) as Alexandra Dutton

The role of Alexandra Dutton, a spirited and privileged British woman who falls for the rugged Spencer Dutton (played by Brandon Sklenar), has become Schlaepfer’s most celebrated performance to date.

The Character and Impact: Alexandra, or "Alex," begins the series as a young socialite engaged to a wealthy man, but she quickly abandons her life of comfort to pursue a passionate and dangerous journey with Spencer across Africa and the sea.

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Topical Authority: As the future wife of Spencer Dutton, she is a pivotal figure in the *Yellowstone* timeline, serving as the great-grandmother of Kevin Costner’s iconic character, John Dutton III. Her storyline, which runs parallel to the main Dutton ranch narrative featuring legends Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, has been central to the show's success.

Current Status: Fans have been engrossed in the dramatic events of *1923* Season 2, which has seen Alex and Spencer navigate immense tragedy and separation, making her fate one of the most talked-about storylines in the series. The show’s epic scale and high production value have made it a cornerstone of the Paramount+ streaming platform.

2. The Politician (TV Series, 2019–2020) as Alice Charles

Before donning period clothing for the Dutton family saga, Schlaepfer made her major splash as Alice Charles in the satirical Netflix series *The Politician*, created by the prolific showrunner Ryan Murphy.

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The Character and Impact: Alice is the seemingly perfect, intensely ambitious girlfriend and tactical partner of the protagonist, Payton Hobart (Ben Platt). Her character is a master strategist, willing to fake a marriage, manipulate public opinion, and even stage a dramatic breakup just to advance Payton's political career.

Topical Authority: The series, known for its sharp writing and star-studded cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, served as a perfect vehicle for Schlaepfer to showcase her comedic timing and ability to play a character with layers of icy control and hidden vulnerability. It was a crucial stepping stone that introduced her to a massive global audience.

The Essential Filmography: Movies, Early TV, and Hidden Gems

While her major series roles dominate the conversation, Schlaepfer’s filmography includes several key projects that demonstrate her early potential and dedication to the craft.

3. Charlie Says (Movie, 2018)

This independent film, directed by Mary Harron and written by Guinevere Turner, provided Schlaepfer with one of her first significant film roles.

The Role: *Charlie Says* focuses on the three young women who were convicted in the infamous Charles Manson murder case. Schlaepfer appeared alongside Hannah Murray, offering a fresh perspective on the cult's influence and the psychological toll it took on the women.

Significance: Working on a serious, historical crime drama demonstrated her ability to handle complex, darker material early in her career, contrasting sharply with the lighter tone of her later Netflix work.

4. The Sky Is Everywhere (Movie, 2022)

In 2022, Schlaepfer appeared in the Apple TV+ coming-of-age film *The Sky Is Everywhere*, based on the young adult novel by Jandy Nelson.

The Role: This film offered a more emotionally grounded role, showcasing her ability to be part of an ensemble cast focused on themes of grief, love, and music.

5. American Horror Stories (TV Series, 2022)

Schlaepfer returned to the Ryan Murphy universe for a standalone episode of the anthology series *American Horror Stories*.

The Role: She played a character in the season two episode titled "Milkmaids," which explores a dark, historical horror narrative, once again proving her comfort across different genres.

6. Madam Secretary (TV Series, 2014–2019)

One of her earliest credited roles was a small part in the popular political drama *Madam Secretary*, which starred Téa Leoni.

Significance: Like many rising stars, these early guest appearances on established network shows were vital for gaining on-set experience and building a professional resume before landing a breakout role.

7. Instinct (TV Series, 2018–2019)

Schlaepfer also secured a minor role in the CBS crime drama *Instinct*, which featured Alan Cumming.

Significance: Her roles in both *Instinct* and *Madam Secretary* highlight the conventional path she took—starting with procedural dramas—before her career-defining pivot to high-concept streaming content.

The Future of Julia Schlaepfer’s Career

As of late 2025, Julia Schlaepfer’s future is intrinsically linked to the continuation of the *Yellowstone* saga. The immense success and critical acclaim of *1923* Season 2 means she remains one of the most visible faces in prestige television.

Industry speculation is high regarding her next move. Having proven her ability to handle both drama and satire, she is perfectly positioned for a leading role in a major studio film or another flagship television series. Her background training at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and her early experience as a ballet dancer suggest a commitment to challenging, physically or emotionally demanding roles.

With her work on *1923* solidifying her place alongside Hollywood legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, Schlaepfer has demonstrated she can hold her own on the biggest stage. Fans are eagerly anticipating what new, complex character she will bring to life next, whether it's another period piece, a modern thriller, or a return to the world of comedy.