Julia Schlaepfer Reveals the Heart-Wrenching Reality Behind “1923”’s Ellis Island Scene
Ah, the joys of acting! Julia Schlaepfer, the 30-year-old actress known for her role as Alexandra in Paramount+’s “1923,” recently peeled back the curtain on the emotional toll of filming a particularly harrowing scene at Ellis Island. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all glamorous gowns and royal tea parties for this former British royal turned runaway bride.
In Season 2, Schlaepfer’s character embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with her love, Spencer Dutton, all while grappling with the weighty revelation of her pregnancy. This, of course, culminates in a nightmarish immigration experience that many modern viewers can scarcely fathom. The sequence, described by Schlaepfer as “really brutal,” involved invasive medical examinations by three male doctors—a chilling reflection of historical realities faced by countless immigrants. As Schlaepfer noted, “In her naive, privileged way, she doesn’t quite understand how perilous this journey is going to be,” and one can’t help but feel for her character as she navigates the treacherous waters of early 20th-century America.
Filming the Ellis Island scene took a grueling eight hours, and while the actress was supported by an intimacy coordinator, the emotional weight of the experience lingered long after the cameras stopped rolling. “My body doesn’t know the difference,” Schlaepfer lamented, admitting that she often left set feeling “dissociated” and struggled to reclaim her sense of self. This is a sentiment echoed by many actors who take on deeply emotional roles, illustrating the often-overlooked psychological impact of embodying such intense narratives.
Interestingly, Schlaepfer’s experiences resonate with broader themes in film and television, where the portrayal of women’s struggles is becoming more prevalent. The #MeToo movement has heightened awareness of these issues, prompting writers and directors to craft stories that reflect the genuine challenges women faced historically and continue to face today. As Schlaepfer’s character finds her voice against the immigration officer, the moment serves as a catharsis not only for her but also for viewers who recognize the ongoing fight for dignity and agency in modern society.
This powerful blend of historical context and personal turmoil makes “1923” not just a period drama, but a poignant commentary on resilience and empowerment that transcends time.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
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