Unbelievable Ranking of Julia Schlaepfer’s Best Roles You Never Knew Existed!

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1923’s breakout star, Julia Schlaepfer, is rapidly making waves as one of the most promising young talents within the industry. While she successfully portrayed a British aristocrat in Taylor Sheridan’s popular series, it is important to note that Schlaepfer was actually raised in the United States. Growing up in the Seattle region, Schlaepfer frequently spent her winters and summers in the Colorado mountains with her family, which she refers to as her “happy place.” It wasn’t until a ballet injury during her high school junior year that Schlaepfer found her calling for acting. Her drama teacher at Lakeside School encouraged her to join an acting program.

Following numerous applications to performing arts schools across the nation, Schlaepfer was accepted into NYU and relocated to New York City to chase her aspirations. Schlaepfer initially embarked on her acting journey with minor roles in series like “Madam Secretary” and “Instinct.” After her appearance in “Charlie Says,” she garnered attention for her portrayal of Alice Charles in Netflix’s “The Politician.” Since then, her career has flourished significantly. Notably, Schlaepfer’s performance as Alex in “1923” has underscored her remarkable talent, foreshadowing a promising future in the industry. As fans eagerly anticipate her next move, here is a ranking of all her films and television shows to date.

7
‘Instinct’ (2018 – 2019)

As Maggie Fallon in Season 1, Episode 5 – “Heartless” (2018)

Instinct, a CBS police procedural drama, ran for two seasons before its unexpected termination. Alan Cumming portrays Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA agent who traded his turbulent past for a peaceful life as a professor and author, vowing to leave that world behind for good after promising his spouse. However, when NYPD Detective Lizzie Needham (Bojana Novakovic) asks for his help in capturing a serial killer inspired by one of his novels, Reinhart is drawn back into the thrill. Stirred with creative rejuvenation, he teams up with Detective Needham. The series provided engaging viewing and intriguing characters, but it fell short compared to other crime dramas.

Julia Schlaepfer’s Second On-Screen Role

In “Heartless,” I stepped into the shoes of Maggie Fallon, a character whose doppelgänger becomes the victim of a grisly crime. At first, it appears that a stalker is behind the horrifying incident, but as the story unfolds, we delve into the dark world of black market organ trafficking. It was my second professional acting role, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase my skills so early in my career.

6
‘Madam Secretary’ (2014 – 2019)

As Ashley Whittaker in Season 3, Episode 18, “Good Bones” (2017)

In the TV show “Madam Secretary,” Téa Leoni portrays Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned professor who unexpectedly becomes the U.S. Secretary of State after her predecessor tragically dies in a plane crash. The series delves into McCord’s struggle to manage both her professional duties and personal life, seamlessly blending political intrigue with dramatic storylines. However, the fifth season takes an interesting turn as McCord decides to run for president, eventually becoming the first female American president in the final sixth season. Often compared to “The Good Wife” and “The West Wing,” “Madam Secretary” falls short of matching their quality. The series has faced criticism in some episodes due to allegations of racism, racial stereotyping, and sexism.

Schlaepfer Shows Promise in Her First Role

As a cinephile, I was hooked by Season 3, Episode 18, where the President of Kyrgyzstan, initially unwilling to aid the U.S. in dismantling a human trafficking network within his borders, struck a deal: inviting Ashley Whittaker, a renowned Hollywood actress, to attend his birthday bash. At first, I was skeptical about her participation, but after hearing the heart-wrenching plea of a victim’s family, she decided to lend her support. Schlaepfer delivered an impressive debut performance in this episode, hinting at promising prospects for future projects.

5
‘The Sky Is Everywhere’ (2022)

As Rachel Brazile

Under the guidance of director Josephine Decker, in partnership with A24 and Apple, the film titled “The Sky is Everywhere” is an adaptation from Jandy Nelson’s 2010 novel of the same name for young adults. This poignant coming-of-age romantic drama follows Grace Kaufman as Lennie Walker, a teenager grappling with the shocking demise of her elder sister. As she struggles to cope with her profound sorrow, she encounters her first romance, finding herself drawn between Toby (Pico Alexander), her late sister’s former boyfriend, and Joe Fontaine (Jacques Colimon), a new student at her school who shares her passion for music.

A Stellar Cast

From an artistic perspective, the movie has achieved great acclaim. It’s both emotionally stirring and quirkily enchanting, but its plotline faces challenges. The script seems lacking in substance for a tale exploring such deep themes of grief, recovery, love, and finding joy and splendor again. Nevertheless, the cast, featuring the likes of Jason Segel and Havana Rose Liu, truly outshines. Schlaepfer, playing the character Rachel Brazile, the mean girl, is no exception. Her performance resonated with a younger demographic and demonstrated her versatility across various genres.

4
‘The Politician’ (2019 – 2020)

As Alice Charles in 15 Episodes

Ryan Murphy’s Netflix show, a blend of comedy and drama, centers around Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), a teen who harbors a lifelong ambition to someday become the President of the United States. To make this dream a reality, he needs to achieve his initial goal: being elected as student body president at Saint Sebastian High School, an accomplishment that would greatly boost his chances of getting into Harvard. However, winning this election is no walk in the park; the political arena of his school is a merciless, competitive environment filled with deceit and even attempts on his life.

From Most Hated to Fan Favorite

The Politician skillfully combines political satire with teen soap opera, keeping viewers captivated. It boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow as Payton’s mother, Lucy Boynton, David Corenswet, Bette Midler, and Jessica Lange. Schlaepfer portrays Payton’s loyal girlfriend and political strategist, Alice Charles. Initially appearing cold-hearted and calculating, Alice evolves significantly throughout the series, recognizing that her commitment to Payton has led her to lose sight of herself. She transforms from one of the most despised characters into the most inspiring. Schlaepfer delivers a remarkable performance in bringing Alice’s multidimensional, enigmatic character to life.

3
‘American Horror Stories’ (2021 – Present)

As Celeste in Season 2, Episode 4 “Milkmaids” (2022)

Unlike Ryan Murphy’s anthology series “American Horror Story” which presents a unique tale per season, his show “American Horror Stories” delivers a fresh horror story in every episode. Similar to its precursor, it delves into American darkness but on a more frequent basis. Though not all episodes are equally impressive, the overall show remains an engaging and addictive viewing experience for fans of the genre. Among the best episodes within the “AHS” universe, “Milkmaids” stands out as it offers a gruesome, exhilarating, and thoroughly satisfying horror experience for enthusiasts.

In Which She Proves She Can Do Anything

1757 New England serves as the backdrop for a tale centered around a pious village stricken by smallpox. Celeste, portrayed by Schlaepfer, is a marginalized sex worker who unearths a cure for the afflicted, sparking a conflict between faith and enlightenment, with her becoming the focal point of hostility from the local clergy. In this part, Schlaepfer demonstrated an unprecedented level of dramatic intensity, showcasing her acting versatility.

2
‘Charlie Says’ (2018)

As Sandra Good

Titled “Charlie Says,” this movie, directed by Mary Harron, delves into the lives of the women entangled in one of America’s most infamous crimes – the Manson Family Murders. The narrative revolves around these women and a feminist criminologist who aimed to rehabilitate them. Post the horrific events, Leslie “Lulu” Van Houten (Hannah Murray), Patricia “Katie” Krenwinkel (Sosie Bacon), and Susan “Sadie” Atkins (Marianna Rendón) continue to be influenced by their charismatic leader, Charles Manson. The film explores the efforts of Karlene Faith (Merritt Wever) to break this influence, providing glimpses into how Manson wielded psychological power over them. Matt Smith, known for his role in “House of the Dragon,” delivers a chilling performance as Manson, portraying the sinister side of his character effectively. The film masterfully illustrates the manipulation and trauma that led these women to carry out heinous acts.

Small Role, Brilliant Performance

In the show, Schlaepfer portrays Sandra “Sandy” Good, a real-life relative of hers. A pivotal scene features Manson compelling Sandy to undress in front of everyone, exploiting her vulnerabilities related to her family ties, particularly her parents. He then berates her, using her insecurities as a weapon, followed by a sudden shift where he uplifts her through reassurance. This scene illustrates one of the many techniques Manson used to indoctrinate his followers. Despite having a minor role, Schlaepfer’s performance was exceptional and showcased her acting prowess and future promise.

1
‘1923’ (2022 – 2025)

As Alexandra ‘Alex’ Dutton in 15 Episodes

1923 precedes the Dutton family prior to the Great Depression, as the contemporary world gradually intrudes upon their lifestyle and potential adversaries covet their property. Schlaepfer portrays Alex, a bohemian countess who crosses paths with Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) during an African safari. Inexplicably attracted to him, she calls off her engagement to Arthur II, the son of the Earl of Sussex, and elopes with him. However, their journey is not all blissful; this being a Taylor Sheridan production, there’s bound to be heartache. Destiny will cruelly tear them apart, only for them to reunite for one of TV’s most poignant endings.

Born for the Role

In the prequel to Yellowstone, Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alex stands out as her most impactful and notable role thus far. Her character is not just a British aristocrat; she’s a vivacious, spirited woman who chose to forgo a life of luxury in favor of living on her own terms. No other actor could have brought Alex to life as gracefully as Schlaepfer did, capturing her resilience, feistiness, and strength with remarkable precision. It’s no surprise that this role has become the pinnacle of her acting career, perfectly suited to her talents.

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2025-04-12 23:02