Julia Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alexandra Dutton in 1923 wasn’t just another role—it was a defining moment in her young career. As the bold, romantic, and fiercely loyal wife of Spencer Dutton, Alexandra’s journey captured the hearts of fans around the world. Her chemistry with co-star Brandon Sklenar electrified the screen, making their characters one of the most beloved couples in the Yellowstone universe. But just when it seemed Alexandra’s story would continue to unfold, Season 2 dealt a tragic blow: her character’s death due to frostbite in the unforgiving wilderness of Wyoming.
Fans were left stunned and heartbroken by the sudden end of Alexandra’s arc. The Season 2 finale was a brutal emotional blow that left many viewers feeling blindsided. But while the audience was shocked, Schlaepfer herself wasn’t. In a private dinner with creator Taylor Sheridan before filming began, Julia asked him directly if her character would die. Sheridan, keeping things mysterious as always, responded cryptically—leaving her with a gut feeling that proved true. Even though nothing was confirmed at the time, Julia had a strong sense that Alexandra’s story would end in heartbreak.
Schlaepfer later revealed that carrying the knowledge—or at least the suspicion—of her character’s fate added a heavy emotional layer to her performance. Knowing what might be coming didn’t make it easier. She confessed that Alexandra’s demise hit her deeply, not just as an actor but as a person. She poured so much of herself into the role that losing the character felt like losing a part of her own identity. In interviews, she admitted that saying goodbye to Alexandra was profoundly painful, and even months later, she still grieves the loss.
In the final moments of 1923, Alexandra’s death wasn’t just a plot point—it was a symbol of strength and sacrifice. Julia ensured the character’s final moments were laced with meaning. In her words, Alexandra made a conscious choice, facing her circumstances with bravery. She wasn’t just a tragic figure—she was a woman who fought until the very end. Her death was a “mother’s love and a warrior’s goodbye,” and Julia’s performance made sure that message hit home.
Following the emotional finale, fans expected Julia to become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. After all, she’d worked alongside legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren and held her own, even shining. Her presence and talent were undeniable, and critics hailed her as 1923’s breakout star. However, the road since then hasn’t unfolded the way many had hoped. As of spring 2025, Julia Schlaepfer hasn’t announced any new major acting roles, despite the acclaim and recognition she’s received.
Surprisingly, since 1923 premiered back in 2022, she’s remained quiet on the acting front, with no film or television roles lined up. While her co-star Brandon Sklenar has been keeping busy with new projects, Julia’s post-1923 journey has involved mostly press appearances related to the show, staying close to the franchise that made her a household name. This unexpected career pause has left many fans puzzled and eager for news about what comes next.
But don’t count Julia out. While official roles haven’t been announced, she’s made it clear she’s not done with Alexandra Dutton. In a recent interview, she hinted that a spin-off or return to the Yellowstone universe could be possible. Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling saga of interconnected stories and resilient characters is still expanding, and fans are holding out hope that Alexandra’s legacy—and Julia’s performance—might continue in some form. Even Sklenar has teased that the Dutton story isn’t over, suggesting that more might be on the horizon.
Julia’s appearance at Paramount Plus’s 1923 awards campaign reignited interest and emotion among fans. At a reunion event in Los Angeles on May 4th, she rejoined her co-stars and reminded everyone why she was the emotional core of the series. Her social media post from the event, captioned simply “Together again,” sent fans into a whirlwind of nostalgia and grief. Heartfelt messages poured in, with many expressing continued heartbreak over Alexandra’s death and admiration for Julia’s performance.
Whether or not a spin-off becomes reality, one thing is certain: Julia Schlaepfer’s time on 1923 has left a lasting impact on fans and critics alike. Her ability to channel vulnerability, strength, and authenticity through Alexandra Dutton has marked her as a rare talent. She may not have her next project lined up yet, but her breakout role has proven she’s more than capable of carrying a story—and carrying a franchise.