Julia Schlaepfer, one of the breakout stars of 1923, recently opened up about how her co-star Harrison Ford offered emotional support during one of the most difficult days she faced on set.
1923, the Yellowstone prequel, follows the Dutton family’s ancestors as they fight to protect their land and legacy. Season 2 focuses heavily on the separated journeys of Spencer and Alexandra Dutton as they struggle to reunite in Montana — and in each other’s arms.
Alex endures a long, harrowing path. From traveling across the ocean and surviving Ellis Island, to being robbed and taken in by a compassionate British couple she meets on a train — all while pregnant with Spencer’s child — her resilience is tested at every turn. But tragedy strikes when the couple runs out of fuel on their way to Montana, and they freeze to death in the car.
In a dramatic and emotional climax, Spencer’s train passes by the stranded vehicle. He leaps off and rescues Alex, finally reuniting with her.
Does Alex Die in the Season 2 Finale of 1923?
Unfortunately, their reunion is painfully short-lived. Alex suffers from severe frostbite, and doctors recommend amputating both legs and one hand to save her life. Despite the grim prognosis, she successfully gives birth to a premature baby boy — John.
But Alex cannot envision herself raising her child with such devastating physical limitations. She declines the surgery and dies in Spencer’s arms, leaving him behind to raise their son alone.
In a touching voiceover from 1883‘s Elsa Dutton — Spencer’s sister who died long before he was born — we learn that Spencer never married again. However, he did have a relationship with a widow and fathered another child. It’s likely that we’ll meet them in the next rumored Yellowstone prequel, 1944.
Harrison Ford’s Quiet Support Behind the Scenes
Following the Season 2 finale, Julia Schlaepfer spoke with Variety about Alex’s heartbreaking end:
“I was just sobbing for a very long time after reading it,” she shared. “The whole script is just so emotionally intense. It felt like a piece of me died with her. But it was the greatest honor of my career to bring that character to life. I love her so deeply.”
One person who helped her through that difficult process was Harrison Ford.
Although Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar (Spencer) didn’t share scenes with Ford (Jacob Dutton) or Helen Mirren (Cara Dutton) until the very end of the season, Julia recalled her first day filming with Ford as “probably [her] favorite day on set.”
It was the birth scene — emotionally exhausting and physically demanding.
“I was so drained — emotionally and physically — and [Harrison] walked in,” she said. “I just remember wanting to watch how he works and show him the respect he deserves as the leader on set. But instead, he gave me space. He let me lead the moment. He took such good care of me. He was like a father figure that day, just like Jacob is for Alex. I didn’t even know I needed that comfort. I didn’t realize I just needed a hug. He kept checking in on me, cracked a joke when the mood got too heavy, and after we filmed, we just stood there and cried together.”
Alex didn’t live to see her son grow up on the Dutton ranch — but her legacy, like the story of 1923, will be remembered.
Her love for Spencer, her courage, and her tragic end have become some of the most powerful moments in the Yellowstone universe.
