Brandon Sklenar on Ralph Lauren, the 1923 Finale, and His 35th Birthday

Brandon Sklenar is celebrating his 35th birthday in style. It’s Wednesday—the day before the big day—and the 1923 and It Ends with Us actor is returning to his home in Los Angeles when I catch him on the phone. He was just in Italy to attend Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2026 Purple Label fashion show, which is already pretty glitzy. But he went one better by starring in a new video in which he talks tailoring while decked out in Purple Label. Ralph finds inspiration from the best of the best in Hollywood—guys like Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Marlon Brando, as Sklenar mentions. It’s quite the list, and now Sklenar can count himself among them.

“It’s an honor,” Sklenar tells me. “I mean, I’ve always loved Ralph’s clothes, truly, and he’s a staple in fashion. Everything that he puts out is just so nostalgic and timeless, and it’s just really cool to be a part of it. The fact that he sees something in me and wants me to represent the brand is special.”

This summer also marks a significant turning point for Sklenar’s career. 1923, the Yellowstone prequel that helped launch him in Hollywood, wrapped up its series finale this past April. Now he’s off to film an action film with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan titled F.A.S.T. before he charts a course toward his next big role beyond the Yellowstone franchise.

Below, Sklenar tells me about working with Ralph Lauren, possibly returning to Yellowstone for 1944, and what fans can look forward to when F.A.S.T. hits theaters.

Brandon Sklenar’s look at the Ralph Lauren 2026 Spring Purple Label presentation.

ESQUIRE: What was your favorite Ralph Lauren outfit that you wore from Milan Fashion Week?

BRANDON SKLENAR: I wore a double-pocket safari shirt and slacks. It was really fucking hot, so I was just happy I wasn’t wearing a three-piece suit. But it was just such a beautiful event. Everyone—Ralph—they’re all just nice people, so welcoming and gracious. They are really intentional about everything they do, and you can feel that. It’s so warm. Especially in the fashion world, that’s not always the case, but there’s just not much pretentiousness with them. It’s easy.

Looking back at the 1923 season 2 finale, how are you feeling now that such a big show for you has come to an end?

I don’t know what I’d be without it. I mean, it was the fact that Taylor trusted me to portray that character. I’ll forever, forever be grateful to him. He’s just such a brilliant writer, and that world that he created is so rich and fun to play in. There’s nothing like that on television or in film really these days. It’s been a wild two and a half years. And I couldn’t ask for a better character. You’re playing a World War I veteran, a big-game hunter, a cowboy. You’re saving the day, you’re troubled, you’re dark, you’ve got complexities and trauma, and it’s all in the name of love and love for your family. He was such a gift to play.

“I’ve always loved Ralph’s clothes,” Sklenar says. “He’s a staple in fashion. Everything that he puts out is just so nostalgic and timeless.”

Obviously, Yellowstone fans are hoping to see you again if Sheridan follows through on making 1944. Would you be willing to return?

Yeah, if something like 1944 happens and Spencer Dutton is alive, I don’t see anybody else playing him. Put some silver in my hair and stick me in the sun for a few days and I’ll be good to go.

I’m dying to know what F.A.S.T. stands for in your upcoming film with Sheridan.

F.A.S.T. is the name of a government program that is initiated in the plot of the film. I don’t know how much I can say about it yet. We go into production in August, and that’s what I’m prepping for right now. That script is unbelievable, and I am just beyond excited. It’s a dream role.

“Put some silver in my hair and stick me in the sun for a few days and I’ll be good to go,” Sklenar says about possibly returning for 1944.

What does it mean to you that Sheridan has chosen you as one of his go-to guys?

It means a lot to me. He has this way of working where he really challenges you to be confident in yourself. He puts you in situations where you have to find it in yourself. That would lead me to question sometimes how he felt, like “Man, I hope he thinks I’m doing a good job.” That’s something a lot of actors feel. You want that validation, and you want someone to just tell you that you’re doing a good job because oftentimes you have no idea what the hell you’re doing and just throwing yourself out there. And the biggest gift that he gave me was helping me break out of that and find that confidence myself. And for him to call me up and tell me he wants me to do this film—that he’s written one for me that he is very proud of—yeah, it was a really special moment.

We’re currently gearing up for the Emmys, and when I look at a lot of Sheridan’s shows—these series with big talent, huge fan bases, serious budgets—they’re often not in the conversation. So I was wondering if you had any thoughts about the reception to his work? Shouldn’t 1923 get the recognition it deserves?

It’s a really good question. I’ve wondered the same thing myself, because the shows are fantastic. You’ve got Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and it should get recognized. His writing should get recognized. Hopefully it does this year. That’d be nice. I know the Globes have in the past, but yeah, the Emmys should jump on the bandwagon. The people that make the show are proud of it. I don’t think that they’re scouting for trophies, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to get recognized.

“It means a lot to me,” Sklenar says about earning Taylor Sheridan’s trust. “He has this way of working where he really challenges you to be confident in yourself.”

On the eve of your 35th birthday, what do you think young Brandon would think of Brandon today?

He probably wouldn’t be able to believe it, honestly. I’ve thought about that a lot recently, and it is definitely a trip to think about. If he could see where I was going, I think he’d be pretty stoked. Probably he’d say, “Good job, and good job for keeping on going.” Because it’s hard out there sometimes.