Margaret Qualley

Biography

Margaret Qualley is an American actress and former model who has quickly become one of Hollywood's most compelling young talents. Known for her captivating screen presence and a willingness to tackle challenging and diverse roles, she has steadily built an impressive filmography that showcases her versatility.

Early Life and Artistic Roots:

Born Sarah Margaret Qualley on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, she is the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell and former model Paul Qualley. Growing up, Qualley trained extensively as a ballet dancer, even earning an apprenticeship at the American Ballet Theatre and studying at New York's Professional Children's School. This rigorous background in dance instilled in her discipline, grace, and an expressive physicality that often translates into her acting performances.

At 16, after receiving an offer to become an apprentice with the North Carolina Dance Theater company, she decided to shift her focus from ballet to pursue modeling. She signed with IMG Models and quickly walked runways for major fashion houses like Chanel, for whom she is now a house ambassador. However, the call to tell stories eventually led her to acting, and she studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Career Breakthrough and Notable Roles:

Qualley made her acting debut with a small role in the 2013 drama film Palo Alto. Her first significant television role came as Jill Garvey in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Leftovers (2014–2017), which brought her wider recognition.

Her career truly gained momentum with a string of impactful performances:

• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): She captivated audiences as "Pussycat," a free-spirited member of the Manson Family, in Quentin Tarantino's star-studded film. This role garnered significant attention and praise.
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• Fosse/Verdon (2019): In this FX miniseries, Qualley delivered a standout performance as legendary dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. Her dance background shone brightly in this role.
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• Maid (2021): This Netflix limited series proved to be a career-defining role for Qualley. She starred as Alex Russell, a young single mother escaping an abusive relationship and turning to housecleaning to make ends meet. Her raw, empathetic portrayal earned her widespread critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination and another Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. The series was a major success for Netflix, highlighting Qualley's ability to carry a complex and emotionally demanding lead role.
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Diverse Filmography and Future Projects:

Since Maid, Qualley has continued to choose compelling and often unconventional projects, showcasing her range. Her recent work includes:

• Stars at Noon (2022): A romantic thriller.
• Poor Things (2023): A quirky and acclaimed film by Yorgos Lanthimos.

• Sanctuary (2023): An erotic drama where she played a dominatrix.
• Drive-Away Dolls (2024): Ethan Coen's solo directorial debut.

• Kinds of Kindness (2024): Another collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos.
• The Substance (2024): A bold body horror film opposite Demi Moore, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She is set to appear in upcoming projects like Blue Moon and Honey, Don't!, cementing her status as a prolific and in-demand actress.

Personal Life:

Margaret Qualley married musician and producer Jack Antonoff in August 2023. She remains a compelling figure, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries with her performances, making her one of the most exciting actresses of her generation.