Margaret Qualley Bio: Age, Family, Movies, Career & Husband

Margaret Qualley is an American actress and former ballet dancer known for her versatile performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition through The Leftovers, Fosse/Verdon, and the Netflix drama Maid. Later, she impressed audiences with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the psychological horror film The Substance.

Born into a family connected to the entertainment industry, Qualley developed her own identity through years of artistic training. Her early ballet experience helped shape her discipline, movement, and expressive acting style.

Moreover, she has worked with acclaimed filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Coralie Fargeat. Her performances often explore complicated emotions, ambition, vulnerability, and personal transformation.

By 2026, Qualley had established herself as a prominent Hollywood performer with an expanding filmography. Her recent projects include Love of Your Life and the upcoming Possession remake.

Margaret Qualley Biography: Early Life and Background

Margaret Qualley was born Sarah Margaret Qualley on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, United States. She grew up in a creative household that encouraged artistic interests.

Her mother, Andie MacDowell, is a celebrated American actress and former model. Her father, Paul Qualley, previously worked as a model before pursuing other interests.

Margaret spent much of her childhood in Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up alongside her siblings, Rainey Qualley and Justin Qualley.

Her sister, Rainey, also works in entertainment as an actress, singer, and musician. However, Margaret initially pursued a different artistic path.

Rather than immediately choosing acting, she focused on classical ballet during her younger years. This demanding discipline helped her develop physical coordination, perseverance, and confidence.

Eventually, she reconsidered her career direction and explored opportunities beyond professional dance. Her transition into acting allowed her to combine emotional expression with the physical awareness she developed through ballet.

Margaret Qualley’s Age and Birthday

Margaret Qualley celebrates her birthday on October 23 every year. She was born in 1994, making her 31 years old as of October 14, 2026.

Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. People often associate this sign with determination, intensity, and emotional depth.

Although astrology does not determine someone’s personality, these qualities can appear in the complex characters Qualley portrays. Her performances frequently require emotional commitment and significant physical preparation.

Her age also reflects a career that began during her teenage years. Since then, she has progressed from television supporting roles to prominent film performances.

Margaret Qualley’s Education and Ballet Training

Before establishing herself as an actress, Qualley trained extensively in ballet. She attended professional dance programs and pursued opportunities that could have led to a full-time dance career.

Her training included studies at the North Carolina School of the Arts. She also received opportunities to develop her skills through advanced dance instruction.

However, Qualley eventually recognized that professional ballet did not represent her long-term ambitions. She decided to explore acting and modeling instead.

This decision marked a significant turning point in her life. Her dance background continued to influence her work, particularly in roles requiring physical precision.

For example, her movement skills became especially relevant when she portrayed dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking in Fosse/Verdon. The role demonstrated how her earlier training could strengthen her screen performances.

Her experience also distinguishes her from actors who enter the industry without extensive movement training. Qualley’s ballet background remains an important part of her artistic identity.

Margaret Qualley’s Acting Career and Breakthrough

Margaret Qualley began exploring professional opportunities in modeling before establishing herself as an actress. In 2011, she made her modeling debut during New York Fashion Week.

She later appeared in campaigns and fashion projects that introduced her to a broader audience. Nevertheless, acting gradually became her primary professional focus.

Her screen debut came with Gia Coppola’s independent drama Palo Alto in 2013. She played Raquel, a character in a story about teenagers navigating relationships and growing up.

The following year, Qualley secured a major television opportunity. She joined HBO’s supernatural drama series The Leftovers, playing Jill Garvey.

The series explored grief, faith, and human relationships after a mysterious global disappearance. Qualley’s performance introduced her to audiences who appreciated emotionally layered television dramas.

Her role also helped her gain valuable experience alongside established performers. As a result, she began receiving opportunities for increasingly challenging projects.

Margaret Qualley Movies and TV Shows

Qualley’s filmography includes independent dramas, mainstream productions, television miniseries, and psychological thrillers. Her willingness to explore different genres has become a defining feature of her career.

Selected filmography

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Qualley reached a wider audience through Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She portrayed Pussycat, a young woman associated with the Manson Family.

The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Qualley held her own within the ensemble and delivered a memorable supporting performance.

The movie received widespread attention and earned numerous industry nominations. Consequently, it helped strengthen her reputation as a promising Hollywood actress.

Fosse/Verdon

In 2019, Qualley portrayed dancer Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries Fosse/Verdon. The production examined the professional and personal relationship between choreographer Bob Fosse and dancer Gwen Verdon.

Qualley’s ballet training helped her approach the physical demands of the role. She also demonstrated her ability to portray a real performer with distinct movement patterns.

Her work earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. This recognition marked an important milestone in her career.

Maid

One of Qualley’s most acclaimed performances came in Netflix’s 2021 miniseries Maid. She played Alex Russell, a young mother who leaves an abusive relationship and struggles to build a stable life.

The story examines poverty, emotional abuse, housing insecurity, and the challenges facing single parents. Qualley brought vulnerability and determination to a character confronting difficult circumstances.

Her mother, Andie MacDowell, also appeared in the series as Paula, Alex’s mother. Their performances added another layer to the story’s complicated family relationships.

Qualley’s work earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

The Substance

In 2024, Qualley starred alongside Demi Moore in Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film The Substance. She portrayed Sue, a younger version of a woman pursuing an experimental treatment.

The film examines beauty standards, aging, celebrity culture, and society’s obsession with youth. Its disturbing imagery and provocative themes generated significant discussion.

Qualley’s physically demanding performance required extensive work with prosthetics and special effects. She also had to balance the character’s confidence with the darker implications of her transformation.

The film received major awards attention, including multiple Academy Award nominations. Qualley earned additional recognition for her supporting performance, strengthening her position among contemporary Hollywood actresses.

Margaret Qualley’s Awards and Achievements

Margaret Qualley has earned recognition from major entertainment organizations throughout her career. Her nominations reflect her work across television and cinema.

Some of her most notable achievements include:

• Primetime Emmy nominations for Fosse/Verdon and Maid.
• Golden Globe nominations for her television performance in Maid and her work in The Substance.
• Critics’ Choice recognition for her performances in television and film.
• International film festival appearances through projects such as Stars at Noon, Kinds of Kindness, and The Substance.

These achievements demonstrate her ability to move between different forms of storytelling. Moreover, her choice of challenging material has helped her attract respected directors and collaborators.

Although awards remain an important career milestone, her growing filmography also highlights her interest in complex characters.

Margaret Qualley’s Latest Projects in 2026

Qualley continued expanding her career in 2026 with new films and significant casting announcements. Her recent work demonstrates her interest in emotionally demanding dramas and ambitious genre projects.

Love of Your Life

In Love of Your Life, Qualley plays Maya, a nurse whose life changes after a devastating personal loss. The romantic drama follows her journey through grief, relationships, and the difficult process of rebuilding her future.

Gabriel Basso plays Charlie, while Aaron Pierre portrays Felix. Patrick Schwarzenegger and Catherine Keener also appear in the film.

Director Rachel Morrison brings an emotionally grounded approach to the story. Qualley prepared for her role by speaking with emergency-room nurses about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film received a limited theatrical release in October 2026 before arriving on Prime Video on October 14.

Possession

Qualley will star in the upcoming remake of the 1981 psychological horror film Possession. Parker Finn, known for directing Smile, writes and directs the new adaptation.

She takes on the role associated with Isabelle Adjani in the original film. Callum Turner, Diego Calva, Paul Dano, Madeline Brewer, and other actors join the cast.

Qualley has expressed enthusiasm about the project and the opportunity to approach such an iconic character. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 11, 2027.

Untitled Fred Astaire Biopic

Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, the older sister and longtime dance partner of legendary performer Fred Astaire. Tom Holland will play Fred, while Sabrina Carpenter will portray Ginger Rogers.

Director Paul King leads the project, which explores the Astaire siblings’ early performing careers. The story offers an opportunity for Qualley to draw on her extensive dance background.

The casting announcement arrived in September 2026. It represents a particularly fitting opportunity because Qualley trained as a ballet dancer before becoming an actress.

Margaret Qualley’s Family and Parents

Margaret Qualley comes from a family with strong connections to modeling, acting, and music.

Her mother, Andie MacDowell, gained fame through films such as Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. MacDowell’s long career gave Qualley an early understanding of the entertainment industry.

Her father, Paul Qualley, worked as a model. Although he maintains a more private public profile, he remains part of her family background.

Qualley’s sister, Rainey Qualley, pursues music and acting. Her brother, Justin Qualley, generally maintains a lower public profile.

Despite her family’s entertainment connections, Margaret developed her own career through dance, modeling, television, and film. Her performances increasingly reflect her individual artistic choices.

Margaret Qualley’s Husband: Is She Married?

Margaret Qualley married musician and record producer Jack Antonoff on August 19, 2023. Their wedding took place in New Jersey and attracted considerable entertainment media attention.

Antonoff is known for his work with the band Bleachers and his collaborations with major recording artists. He has also earned recognition as a songwriter and producer.

The couple generally maintains some privacy around their relationship. Nevertheless, their marriage has attracted public interest because both work in prominent creative industries.

As of October 2026, public biographies continue to identify Antonoff as Qualley’s husband. Readers should distinguish confirmed information from online speculation about their private lives.

Margaret Qualley’s Net Worth

Margaret Qualley’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified through authoritative financial disclosures. Celebrity websites sometimes publish estimates, but these figures can vary considerably.

Her professional income likely comes from acting, modeling, advertising campaigns, and other entertainment projects. However, her individual earnings from specific films and endorsements remain largely private.

Her growing presence in major productions has expanded her professional opportunities. Still, any precise figure for Margaret Qualley’s net worth should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed financial fact.

Margaret Qualley’s Acting Style and Public Image

Qualley has developed a reputation for taking on characters who experience emotional conflict or personal transformation. Her performances often combine physical expression with subtle emotional detail.

Her dance background gives her a distinctive understanding of movement. This ability proved useful in Fosse/Verdon and may also benefit her future dance-related projects.

Additionally, she frequently collaborates with filmmakers who explore unconventional themes. Her work in The Substance, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness illustrates her willingness to embrace unusual stories.

Her fashion background also influences her public image. She regularly attracts attention at film festivals, award ceremonies, and fashion events.

However, her acting choices remain central to her professional identity. Rather than limiting herself to one genre, she continues exploring dramas, thrillers, comedies, and horror films.

Frequently Asked Questions About Margaret Qualley

How old is Margaret Qualley?

Margaret Qualley is 31 years old as of October 14, 2026. She was born on October 23, 1994.

Who is Margaret Qualley’s mother?

Her mother is Andie MacDowell, the American actress and former model.

Who is Margaret Qualley’s husband?

Margaret Qualley married musician and record producer Jack Antonoff in August 2023.

What is Margaret Qualley famous for?

She is best known for The Leftovers, Maid, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and The Substance.

Was Margaret Qualley a ballet dancer?

Yes. Qualley trained in ballet before transitioning into modeling and acting. Her dance background continues to influence her performances.

What is Margaret Qualley’s latest movie in 2026?

One of her latest releases is Love of Your Life, which arrived on Prime Video on October 14, 2026. She also appeared in The Dog Stars during 2026.

Will Margaret Qualley appear in Possession?

Yes. She will star in Parker Finn’s remake of Possession, currently scheduled for release on June 11, 2027.

What role will Margaret Qualley play in the Fred Astaire biopic?

Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire’s sister and early dance partner. Tom Holland will play Fred Astaire, and Sabrina Carpenter will portray Ginger Rogers.

Conclusion

Margaret Qualley’s journey from ballet training to Hollywood recognition demonstrates her artistic versatility and determination. She has built an impressive career through television dramas, independent films, and major cinematic productions.

Her performances in Maid and The Substance have particularly strengthened her reputation. Meanwhile, projects such as Love of Your Life, Possession, and the Fred Astaire biopic point toward further opportunities.

Margaret Qualley continues to establish herself as a distinctive actress who combines physical precision with emotional depth. Her future projects will offer new opportunities to explore her range and artistic ambitions.