Margaret Qualley, born Sarah Margaret Qualley on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, is not just an actress but a beacon of talent, resilience, and dedication. The daughter of Hollywood icon Andie MacDowell and former model Paul Qualley, Margaret grew up surrounded by art and creativity. Her childhood, split between a ranch in Montana and Asheville, North Carolina, was marked by curiosity and determination, shaping her into one of the most versatile and captivating actresses of her generation.
From Ballet Dreams to Hollywood Screens
Before conquering Hollywood, Margaret trained as a ballet dancer. She attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and earned an apprenticeship with the American Ballet Theatre. However, at 16, she made a brave decision to pivot away from dance, pursuing modeling and later acting. She studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and briefly attended NYU, but it was her commitment to acting that truly set her on her path.
Her first role came in 2013 with Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto. While the opportunity was serendipitous, her talent was unmistakable. She quickly gained recognition as Jill Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers, where her emotional depth left audiences captivated.
Stellar Performances That Cement Her Legacy
Margaret’s career is a testament to her ability to choose diverse and challenging roles. In The Nice Guys (2016), she brought a sharp wit to her character, while her turn as Pussycat in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) was magnetic, showcasing her ability to hold her own among a star-studded cast.
Her portrayal of Ann Reinking in Fosse/Verdon (2019) cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. Margaret’s dedication to capturing the nuance of a real-life figure earned her an Emmy nomination. This achievement solidified her status as an actress of extraordinary skill
Her title role in Netflix’s Maid (2021) further highlighted her ability to portray vulnerability and strength in equal measure. This heartfelt performance struck a chord with viewers worldwide, proving Margaret’s rare ability to connect deeply with her audience.
Margaret Qualley as Sue in The Substance: A Career-Defining Role
Margaret’s fearless portrayal of Sue in Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance (2024) is perhaps her most daring performance to date. The body horror film, celebrated for its cultural and critical impact, pushed Margaret to her physical and emotional limits.
The prosthetics required for her transformation into Sue were notoriously grueling, often taking six to nine hours to apply. Margaret revealed that the process damaged her skin and tested her resilience, yet she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Her performance, raw and haunting, earned her a Golden Globe nomination and placed her among the most daring performers of her time.
The film itself became a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic homage to Eric Prydz’s Call on Me music video and groundbreaking visual effects. Margaret’s commitment to embodying Sue’s complexity made her performance unforgettable, further cementing her reputation as an actress unafraid to take risks.
A Legacy Built on Talent and Authenticity
As the daughter of Andie MacDowell, Margaret grew up with big shoes to fill. Yet, she has carved out a legacy entirely her own. While her mother is remembered for her grace and iconic roles in films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Margaret has proven herself to be equally unforgettable. However, she has done so in her own unique way. Their shared experience as women in Hollywood adds depth to Margaret’s performances, as she draws from a well of lived knowledge and maternal inspiration.
Andie MacDowell revealed she has experienced “reverse nepotism”. She shared that 13-year-old fans have sent her letters praising her work, highlighting her growing connection with a younger audience—an unexpected benefit of her daughter’s influence.
The movie is fantastic, and she takes so many chances. She’s so much braver than I could have ever been. She really carved her own road and I’m super, super proud of her.”
Andie MacDowell speaking about her daughter in “The Substance”.
Margaret and her mother even share an interesting connection through Demi Moore. Notably, Margaret’s co-star in The Substance, Moore worked with Andie MacDowell in St. Elmo’s Fire nearly 40 years earlier. This intergenerational thread adds a fascinating dimension to Margaret’s career, as she bridges Hollywood’s past and future.
Beyond the Screen
Margaret Qualley’s life off-screen is as intriguing as her roles. A former model, she graced the runways of Chanel and Valentino. She later became a Chanel ambassador, blending elegance and authenticity in a way few can. In 2023, she married musician Jack Antonoff, and their love story inspired Lana Del Rey’s song Margaret, a tribute to their bond.
Margaret’s humility and humor have endeared her to fans and peers alike. She remains a grounded presence in an often chaotic industry, living proof that authenticity and hard work can coexist.
The future looks bright for Margaret Qualley. With upcoming roles in Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t! and John Patton Ford’s Huntington, she continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a leading actress in Hollywood.
Margaret Qualley is more than just an actress to watch—she is a storyteller, a trailblazer, and an inspiration for a new generation of performers. As she continues to grow, one thing is clear: her star is only beginning to rise.
