Julia Schlaepfer Reflects on Heartbreaking Death: I’m Still Grieving

Warning: spoilers ahead if you haven’t finished watching Season 2 of “1923” on Paramount+.

The Season 2 finale of “1923,” the prequel to “Yellowstone,” took a tragic turn with the unexpected death of Alexandra “Alex” Dutton, played by Julia Schlaepfer. In an exclusive interview with The Post, Schlaepfer shared her thoughts on the heartbreaking twist.

“It’s horrible, it’s heartbreaking. It’s really tragic,” Schlaepfer, 30, told The Post. “I know some people might be upset with that ending, I completely understand it. It’s such a bittersweet thing, because I love her so much, and I understand why it happened the way it happened. But I’m still grieving her … I’m big-time still grieving Alex.”

In the finale, Alex had reunited with her husband Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) after a turbulent season apart. Despite giving birth to their son, Alex refused to amputate her frost-bitten limbs, ultimately choosing her son’s well-being over her own survival. Spencer held her during her final moments as Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) looked on helplessly from the hospital hallway.

Schlaepfer revealed that she learned about Alex’s fate a few months before filming began on Season 2. “I was told by [creator Taylor Sheridan] sending me the scripts and being like, ‘call me when you’re done.’ I had no idea what was coming.”

Despite having a sense that Alex might meet this fate, Schlaepfer found the experience of portraying Alex’s journey deeply rewarding. She especially highlighted the birth scene where Harrison Ford’s character, Jacob, supports Alex in Spencer’s absence.

“That was definitely the most special day of my life as an actor … It was my first day working with [Harrison Ford],” Schlaepfer shared. “It had been months. I was near the end of my chunk of filming, and I was just worn out and exhausted – both me and Alexandra. I was so excited to see how Harrison Ford worked; I idolize this man.”

The emotional scene left a lasting impact on Schlaepfer, with Ford’s kindness and paternal energy resonating with her in a profound way. “He’s so kind and so funny. He knew exactly when to throw in a little joke to lighten the mood. And, he just gave me the floor. He took such good care of me that day,” she said.

Ultimately, Alex’s journey on “1923” was a tumultuous one, but Schlaepfer’s portrayal of the character brought depth and emotion to the screen, making it a memorable and impactful role for the actress.