Julia Schlaepferis a young, up-and-coming actress to watch, and she’s already been in some great movies and shows. Born in Washington, she pursued her dream of acting with passion, eventually honing her skills at the Atlantic Acting School in New York. Though she started out in smaller roles on shows likeMadam SecretaryandInstinct, her natural charisma and emotional depth made her stand out even in those early performances, and it wasn’t long before she got her big break.
In 2019, Schlaepfer turned heads when she appeared as Payton Hobart’s ambitious girlfriend, Alice Charles, in Netfix’sThe Politician. The actress' career has continued to grow, and in 2022, she joined the cast of the Paramount+Yellowstoneprequel series,1923, as Alexandra, Spencer Dutton’s love interest. With the exciting announcement that1923is getting a second season, Schlaepfer’s career continues to grow.
7Instinct (2018-2019)
Maggie Fallon - Season 1, Episode 3 “Secrets and Lies” (2018)
In the CBS crime dramaInstinct, Julia Schlaepfer appeared in a guest role as Maggie Fallon in season 1, episode 3, “Secrets and Lies.” The series starred Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA operative turned university professor who assists the NYPD in solving unusual crimes. Schlaepfer’s Maggie becomes involved in a tense investigation revolving around a murder linked to hidden family secrets. Her role, though limited to one episode, helped contribute to the intricate mystery being unraveled.
Working alongside a seasoned actor like Alan Cumming offered Schlaepfer an early chance to develop her skills in a high-pressure, fast-paced crime drama environment.Even though her part wasn’t the focal point of the show, it allowed her to bring emotional nuance to the supporting role, hinting at her potential for more significant opportunities in television and film. This guest role was part of her early career development and set the stage for larger roles in her future.
6Madam Secretary (2014-2019)
Ashley Whittaker - Season 4, Episode 5 “Persona Non Grata” (2017)
InMadam Secretary, Schlaepfer appeared in season 4, episode 5, “Persona Non Grata.” The political drama series, starring Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, focuses on the world of international diplomacy and U.S. politics. Schlaepfer played movie star Ashley Whittaker, a minor but impactful character in a storyline involving diplomatic tensions. McCord’s character, the U.S. Secretary of State, is forced to navigate complicated global situations, and the young actress an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.
Although Schlaepfer’s appearance onMadam Secretarywas brief, it offered her valuable exposure to a show known for its sharp political writing and multi-dimensional characters.The political drama provided a fitting backdrop for Schlaepfer to showcase her versatilityin a different genre. Her work in this episode played a part in her evolving acting résumé, and it contributed to the momentum that would soon land her more prominent roles in projects likeThe Politician.
Madam Secretary
Cast
Madam Secretary is a political drama series that aired on CBS for six seasons from 2014-2019. The series stars Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, who becomes the United States Secretary of State, after serving as a CIA analyst and political science professor.
5American Horror Stories (2021-Present)
Celeste - Season 2, Episode 1 “Dollhouse” (2022)
Julia Schlaepfer’s guest role inAmerican Horror Stories, a spinoff of the hit seriesAmerican Horror Story, came in season 2, episode 1, “Dollhouse.” In this episode, Schlaepfer played Celeste, a young woman who becomes entangled inAmerican Horror Stories' sinister plot involving a haunted dollhouse. The horror anthology series, known for its dark and twisted narratives, allowed Schlaepfer to delve into the horror genre for the first time, andher portrayal of Celeste contributed to the eerie, unsettling tone of the episode.
Appearing inAmerican Horror Storiesmarked a shift from Schlaepfer’s previous roles in drama and comedy, giving her a chance to explore a different genre. The show’s complex and disturbing plotlines allowed her to bring a unique intensity to her performance, further proving her versatility. Schlaepfer’s episode was well-received, and her ability to capture the suspense and fear of the horror genre opened up new opportunities for her growing career.
American Horror Stories
The creators of American Horror Story reunite to launch American Horror Stories, a horror anthology series created for FX and Hulu. Centering on a new, unique horror story each episode, AHS follows various new characters through each episode as they experience their own terrifying tales, often including the supernatural.
4The Sky Is Everywhere (2022)
Rachel Brazile
The Sky Is Everywherewas a significant projectfor Schlaepfer, as she played Rachel Brazile in this heartfelt adaptation of Jandy Nelson’s young adult novel. The film tells the story of Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman), a teenage girl grieving the sudden death of her older sister while also experiencing her first love. Schlaepfer’s character, Rachel, is a key supporting figure in Lennie’s life, helping her navigate her complex emotions. The movie explores themes of loss, healing, and the beauty of finding joy in difficult times.
Schlaepfer’s performance inThe Sky Is Everywhereadded emotional depth to the film’s narrative,allowing her to explore the complexities of grief and the support that friends offer during hard times. Although the film did not reach major box office success, it was praised for its sensitivity and emotional resonance, and Schlaepfer’s role gave her a chance to be part of an intimate, character-driven story. This performance allowed her to connect with a younger audience and solidified her as a talented actress capable of handling emotionally charged roles.
The Sky Is Everywhere
The Sky Is Everywhere is a drama directed by Josephine Decker. The film follows Lennie Walker (Grace Kaufman), a teenage musical prodigy coping with the sudden loss of her older sister. Amidst her grief, Lennie navigates complex emotions as she forms connections with Joe Fontaine (Jacques Colimon) and Toby Shaw (Pico Alexander), leading her on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
3Charlie Says (2018)
Sandra Good
InCharlie Says, Julia Schlaepfer portrayed Sandra Good, one of the followers of the notorious cult leader Charles Manson (portrayed by a haunting Matt Smith in the film). The film, directed byAmerican Psycho’s Mary Harron,focuses on the women who were part of Manson’s inner circle and the psychological control he exerted over them. Good was a real-life member of the Manson Family, and the film explores the manipulation and trauma that led to the infamous Manson murders.
Charlie Saysrequired Schlaepfer to dive into dark and disturbing material, which showcased her ability to take on challenging and complex roles. The film itself, while not a mainstream blockbuster, was lauded for its chilling portrayal of the Manson Family and the consequences of Manson’s influence over his followers. Schlaepfer’s performance stood out for its authenticity, further establishing her versatility as an actress. Her involvement in this film highlighted her willingness to tackle difficult subject matter and provided her with an opportunity to work on a project with significant historical and cultural relevance.
2The Politician (2019-2020)
Alice Charles - 15 Episodes (2019-2020)
In Netflix’s hit seriesThe Politician, Julia Schlaepfer played Alice Charles, a central character who is both the girlfriend (later fiancée) and political partner of Payton Hobart, the show’s protagonist. Alice’s role in the series is pivotal, as she balances her own ambitions with her dedication to Payton, offering unwavering support as he navigates the ruthless world of high school and political campaigns. Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alice blended sharp wit with emotional vulnerability, making her one of thestandout characters inThe Politician.
Created by Ryan Murphy,The Politicianwas a polarizing show, but those who loved it appreciated its satirical take on the political landscape and the darkly comedic elements woven into its narrative. Schlaepfer’s performance garnered widespread attention, and her ability to convey Alice’s internal conflict and strength made her a fan favorite. The role wasa breakthrough for Schlaepfer, solidifying her as a key player in the ensemble cast and opening the door for future roles in high-profile projects.
The Politician
The Politician is a Netflix original series starring Ben Platt, Zoey Deutch, Laura Dreyfuss, David Corenswet, Bette Midler, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk created the series, which focuses on Payton Hobart (Platt), a high-schooler at Saint Sebastian with aspirations to become President of the United States.
11923 (2022-Present)
Alexandra - 8+ Episodes (2022-Present)
Julia Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alexandra inthe cast of1923, the prequel toYellowstone, is her most significant role to date. The show, set in the rugged Montana landscape of the early 20th century, follows the Dutton family as they face numerous external threats. Schlaepfer’s character, Alexandra, is a free-spirited British woman who falls in love with Spencer Dutton (Brandon Skenlar) during his travels in Africa. Her relationship with Spencer becomes central to the show’s plot, adding romance and emotional stakes to the action-packed drama.
Critics have praised Schlaepfer’s performance in1923for its emotional depth and complexity. The role required her to convey resilience and strength as Alexandra navigates the dangers of the wilderness and the societal expectations of the time.Schlaepfer’s ability to bring nuance to her character has been widely recognized, and her involvement in the highly anticipatedYellowstoneprequel has catapulted her to new levels of fame. As the series continues, Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alexandra will likely remain one of the defining moments of her career.
1923
1923 is a series following the Dutton family during the early twentieth century. It explores the challenges they face amidst pandemics, the end of Prohibition, historic drought, and the Great Depression, as they struggle to maintain their home in the mountain west.
