Margaret Qualley has established herself as one of modern cinema’s most versatile and physically expressive performers. Transitioning seamlessly from classical ballet and high-fashion runways into television dramas and auteur cinema, she continues to anchor demanding, genre-defying projects across Hollywood and independent film.
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Who Is Margaret Qualley?
Sarah Margaret Qualley (born October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana) is an American actress, producer, and former model. She is the daughter of acclaimed actress Andie MacDowell and former model and musician Paul Qualley.
Before committing fully to acting, Qualley trained in classical ballet at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the American Ballet Theatre in New York. At 16, she shifted toward high fashion, walking runways and starring in campaigns for luxury houses including Valentino, Kenzo, Ralph Lauren, Celine, and Chanel.
She later studied acting at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art summer program and briefly attended New York University. Her extensive dance foundation remains a signature component of her distinct on-screen physicality and presence.
Breakthrough Television and Early Film Roles
Qualley made her feature film debut at age 18 in Gia Coppola’s indie drama Palo Alto (2013). Her career accelerated through several defining roles:
- The Leftovers (2014–2017): Qualley gained widespread critical notice across three seasons of the HBO drama playing Jill Garvey, a teenager navigating collective grief.
- Early Feature Work (2016–2017): Notable supporting appearances included Shane Black’s action-comedy The Nice Guys (2016) and Adam Wingard’s Death Note (2017).
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): Cast by Quentin Tarantino as Manson Family member Pussycat, her scenes opposite Brad Pitt earned an ensemble SAG Award nomination and elevated her international profile.
- Fosse/Verdon (2019): Drawing directly from her dance background, Qualley portrayed Broadway icon Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
- Death Stranding (2019): Provided motion-capture performance and voice acting for the twin characters Mama and Lockne in Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed video game.
Critical Acclaim: Maid and Arthouse Collaborations
In 2021, Qualley delivered her definitive lead performance in Netflix’s limited series Maid, adapted from Stephanie Land’s memoir. Playing Alex Russell—a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship while working as a house cleaner—she starred alongside her real-life mother, Andie MacDowell. The performance earned widespread critical acclaim and nominations across the Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
Following Maid, Qualley immersed herself in bold arthouse and genre-bending cinema:
- The Substance (2024): In Coralie Fargeat’s body-horror satire, Qualley starred as Sue, the younger, idealized clone of Demi Moore’s character. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned Qualley a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- Collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos: Appeared as Felicity in the Oscar-winning fantasy Poor Things (2023) and took on multiple distinct roles across the anthology structure of Kinds of Kindness (2024).
- Festival and Auteur Features: Her resume expanded through Claire Denis’s Stars at Noon (2022) as well as Ethan Coen’s Drive-Away Dolls (2024) and Honey Don’t! (2025).
What Margaret Qualley Is Doing in 2026 and Beyond
The Dog Stars (August 2026)
Qualley’s major theatrical release is Ridley Scott’s sci-fi adaptation of Peter Heller’s novel, distributed by 20th Century Studios with a U.S. theatrical release on August 28, 2026.
- Role: Cima, a resilient survivor and medic who crosses paths with Hig (Jacob Elordi), a pilot navigating a pandemic-ravaged world.
- Cast: Co-stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney.
Love of Your Life (Fall 2026)
Directed by Rachel Morrison (The Fire Inside), this romantic drama heads toward its TIFF world premiere before streaming on Prime Video. Qualley plays Maya opposite Gabriel Basso, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Aaron Pierre.
Possession Remake (June 2027)
Directed by Parker Finn (Smile), this psychological horror reimagining of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult classic stars Qualley and Callum Turner. Paramount has slated the project for an official theatrical release on June 11, 2027.
Key Career Milestones & Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notable Recognition / Platform |
| 2014–2017 | The Leftovers | Jill Garvey | HBO Drama Series |
| 2019 | Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | Pussycat | SAG Award Ensemble Nominee |
| 2019 | Fosse/Verdon | Ann Reinking | Primetime Emmy Nominee |
| 2021 | Maid | Alex Russell | Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Nominee |
| 2023 | Sanctuary | Rebecca | Lead Actress & Executive Producer |
| 2023 | Poor Things | Felicity | Academy Award-Winning Feature |
| 2024 | Kinds of Kindness | Multiple Roles | Cannes Film Festival Premiere |
| 2024 | The Substance | Sue | Golden Globe Nominee |
| 2026 | The Dog Stars | Cima | Directed by Ridley Scott |
| 2026 | Love of Your Life | Maya | Directed by Rachel Morrison |
| 2027 | Possession | Lead | Directed by Parker Finn |
Brand Partnerships and Personal Life
Beyond the screen, Qualley is a long-standing house ambassador for Chanel, regularly opening runway shows and wearing custom haute couture on international red carpets.
Qualley married music producer and Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff on August 19, 2023. In mid-2026, reports surfaced regarding their separation, with representatives confirming that both parties maintain a respectful relationship while navigating their private affairs.
For a behind-the-scenes look at her latest project, watch this behind the scenes preview with Margaret Qualley.
This clip gives direct visual insight into Margaret Qualley’s role and production work on The Dog Stars.
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