Margaret Qualley is a name that keeps popping up in Hollywood, and for good reason. With a background in ballet, experience on the runway, and a growing list of standout film and TV roles, she has quickly become one of the most interesting young stars in the industry. But there’s more to her story than what we see on the screen.
In this article, we’ll explore Margaret Qualley’s early life, her famous family, how she went from dancer to actress, and what she’s been working on lately. Whether you’ve seen her in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood or Netflix’s Maid, or you’re just now hearing her name, here’s everything you need to know.
Early Life and Family
Sarah Margaret Qualley was born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana. She’s the youngest child of actress Andie MacDowell and former model and rancher Paul Qualley. Growing up in a creative household, Margaret was surrounded by art, music, and performance from a young age.
After her family moved to North Carolina, Margaret spent much of her time focused on dance. She has two older siblings: Rainey Qualley, who is also an actress and singer, and Justin Qualley, who stays mostly out of the public eye.
Even though her mother was a well-known actress, Margaret has said she didn’t really think of her as “famous.” To her, Andie MacDowell was just Mom. But that artistic influence clearly made a mark.
Modeling and Ballet Beginnings
Margaret began training in ballet as a young girl and took it very seriously. At just 15, she left home to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she trained full-time in dance. By the time she was 16, she was offered an apprenticeship with the North Carolina Dance Theater Company—an offer most young dancers would dream of.
But something changed. Instead of jumping into a professional ballet career, Margaret decided she wanted more from life. She moved to New York City and started modeling. Her fashion debut came when she walked the runway for Italian designer Alberta Ferretti.
Modeling gave her the flexibility to explore new interests while still staying creative. It also gave her the chance to travel and experience life outside the strict world of ballet.
Acting Breakthrough and Major Roles
Margaret Qualley’s acting career began with a bit of luck—and a lot of talent. Her very first major audition landed her a role in HBO’s The Leftovers (2014–2017), where she played Jill Garvey. The show gained a cult following and helped put her on the radar.
From there, her career took off. In 2019, she appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, sharing scenes with Brad Pitt. Her performance stood out, and the film went on to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
She also starred in Fosse/Verdon, a mini-series where she portrayed Broadway legend Ann Reinking. Her graceful movements from her dance background added depth to the role, earning her even more critical praise.
One of her most talked-about roles came in Netflix’s Maid (2021), where she played a young mother escaping an abusive relationship. The performance was raw and emotional, showing just how far Margaret had come as an actress.
Most recently, she appeared in Poor Things (2023) and The Substance (2024), both of which received Oscar nominations for Best Picture. These roles cemented her status as a serious talent in modern cinema.
Personal Life and Relationships
In addition to her busy career, Margaret’s personal life has also made headlines. On May 31, 2022, she announced her engagement to musician and producer Jack Antonoff. The couple married on August 19, 2023.
Despite being in the spotlight, Margaret keeps much of her private life low-key. She’s often seen spending time with her family, especially her mom and sister, and she tends to stay away from the flashy Hollywood party scene.
Lesser-Known Facts About Margaret Qualley
Here are a few things you might not know about Margaret:
She used to wrap her toes in paper towels instead of using toe pads while dancing, so she could better “feel the floor.”
She turned down a professional ballet career at just 16, even though everything was going perfectly.
She’s appeared in three Oscar-nominated Best Picture films: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Poor Things, and The Substance.
Her first big acting job came after just one audition.
She went to the Professional Children’s School in New York, a school known for students with careers in the arts.
Memorable Quotes by Margaret Qualley
“Ballet can be grueling, for sure, but it gives you a certain discipline.”
“I quit ballet when I was offered a job… I was about to drop out of high school and become a professional ballet dancer.”
“Acting is not like ballet. The messier you can be, the better. The mistakes you make are the beautiful stuff.”
“I modeled to fill the time because dancing was very much a job, even when I was 14.”
“Growing up in North Carolina, my mom was always just my mom. I never really recognized her as a famous actress.”
Recent Work and What’s Ahead
Margaret continues to take on bold and exciting projects. Her latest film, The Substance (2024), has already gained attention for its originality and strong performances. As she continues working with both independent filmmakers and big-name directors, her career shows no signs of slowing down.
She’s also becoming a fashion icon, known for her effortless red carpet style and natural charm in photoshoots. Whether she’s acting, modeling, or dancing, Margaret brings something unique to every role she takes on.
Final Thoughts
Margaret Qualley’s story is one of talent, discipline, and fearless creativity. From her early days in ballet to her breakout roles in film and TV, she has shown a remarkable ability to grow and evolve. Her work continues to inspire, and her future looks bright.
As Hollywood keeps changing, stars like Margaret Qualley prove that staying true to yourself is still the most powerful path to success.
FAQs About Margaret Qualley
Who is Margaret Qualley?
Margaret Qualley is an American actress, dancer, and model. She’s best known for her roles in The Leftovers, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Fosse/Verdon, and Netflix’s Maid. She is also the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell.
What is Margaret Qualley’s real name?
Her full name is Sarah Margaret Qualley.
When was Margaret Qualley born?
She was born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, USA.
How tall is Margaret Qualley?
Margaret Qualley is 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.73 meters).
Who are Margaret Qualley’s parents?
Her mother is actress Andie MacDowell, and her father is Paul Qualley, a former model and rancher.
Is Margaret Qualley married?
Yes, she married musician and producer Jack Antonoff on August 19, 2023.
What was Margaret Qualley’s breakout role?
Her breakout role was in the HBO series The Leftovers, where she played Jill Garvey.
Did Margaret Qualley use to be a ballerina?
Yes, she trained in ballet seriously from a young age and was offered a professional apprenticeship before she shifted to modeling and acting.
What are some of Margaret Qualley’s most popular movies and shows?
The Leftovers (2014–2017)
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Fosse/Verdon (2019)
Maid (2021)
Poor Things (2023)
The Substance (2024)
Is Margaret Qualley related to Rainey Qualley?
Yes, Rainey Qualley is her older sister. Rainey is also an actress and singer.