Originally published on 4/6/25

When Michelle Randolph first appeared on screen in season 1 of 1923 as Elizabeth Dutton (surname Strattford), viewers fell in love with her can-do spirit, positive attitude and super sweet romance with Jack Dutton (Darren Mann). Sadly, though, her character was one of the many who just couldn’t seem to catch a break. Not only did she suffer losing her husband and the father of her unborn child, but Elizabeth also had a rabies scare, a pretty serious battle with depression and a miscarriage all within just two short seasons. Woman’s World recently sat down with Randolph to learn how she really felt about those storylines and what she thinks Elizabeth’s journey looks like going forward. Read on for more. 

Michelle Randolph on Elizabeth Dutton’s emotional evolution

As previously mentioned, Elizabeth’s 1923 journey hasn’t been easy, and due to Jack’s death, it’s highly likely that it will still be an uphill battle for at least a little while longer. 

“I think the way that she started out as this very innocent character that hadn’t gone through a lot of hardship or trials. Then, throughout Seasons 1 and 2, that changed completely,” Randolph told Woman’s World. “By the end of it, she leaves the Dutton ranch a completely changed person. A piece of her is missing the love of her life and the father of her child that she’s now carrying. I think she finally earned the title of a Dutton woman, and now she’s going to carry that with her throughout her life, whatever that ends up looking like.” 

The actress shared that while she likes that Elizabeth didn’t die—like so many of Taylor Sheridan characters do—she does think that there was “not a ton of closure”, causing her to believe that she needs to make up what “happened after she leaves the ranch. There’s just so much, there’s so much more story that that can be told.” 

Michelle Randolph shares what starring on the show meant for her

As of publication, there is no news on if 1923 will have a Season 3, meaning that Season 2, Episode 7, “A Dream and a Memory,” might be the last time that viewers see these characters both in and out of Montana. 

When asked what she thinks of her time on the show, Randolph summed it up in one word: “special.” She also shared that one of her favorite parts of working on the show was how much female strength there was, even though it took place during a time when women didn’t have a very strong presence in the world. 

“Taylor’s [Sheridan] way of writing women in 1923 is powerful. He’s giving opportunities and roles that otherwise are very rare,” the actress said. “I think all of the women in the show are so empowered in different ways. Even Cara’s [Dutton, played by Helen Mirren] character is the true backbone of the ranch. It wouldn’t survive without her.” 

In addition to 1923, Randolph also stars in Sheridan’s show Landman, which follows an oil family in Texas. The show is currently in the middle of filming its second season, and Randolph is expected to reprise her role as Ainsley Norris.

As of now, that role is not believed to be connected to her 1923 character in any way. 

Can’t get enough of the Yellowstone universe after the 1923 finale? You can look forward to several more prequels and spinoffs, set to release soon. Watch this space for more details. 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/michelle-randolph-on-1923-elizabeths-arc-and-taylor-sheridan