Everything You Need to Know About Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley is officially in the spotlight in 2024. From her breakout role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to her standout performances in The Substance, Kinds of Kindness, and the hit mini-series Maid, Qualley has quickly become a household name.

Beyond her acting career, she’s also made a mark in the fashion world as a Chanel muse, often seen rocking the iconic brand. Oh, and did we mention her recent wedding to music producer Jack Antonoff? Here’s everything you need to know about this rising star.

Who Is Margaret Qualley?

Margaret Qualley, born Sarah Margaret Qualley on October 23, 1994, in Montana, USA, comes from a family of talent. Her mother, Andie MacDowell, is a renowned actress, while her father, Paul Qualley, worked as a model. Surrounded by creativity from a young age, it’s no surprise that Margaret eventually made her way into the spotlight.

Margaret Qualley didn’t always dream of acting. She was passionate about dancing and trained as a ballerina for years, even attending the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts. At one point, she thought she’d pursue a career in dance. But when she was 16, Margaret decided to explore modeling, quickly walking runways for major brands like Chanel and Valentino. While modeling opened doors, she felt a deeper calling to tell stories, which led her to shift her focus to acting.

How Did She Begin Acting?

Margaret Qualley didn’t dive into acting without preparation. She moved to New York City to train at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and also studied at New York University (NYU). This rigorous training gave her the confidence and skills needed to develop her craft as an actress.

Her big break came in 2014 when she landed a role in the HBO series The Leftovers. She played Jill Garvey, a teenager navigating a world where 2% of the population mysteriously vanishes. Her performance was subtle yet powerful, proving to everyone that she had true acting talent.

Breaking Acting Moments

After The Leftovers, Margaret Qualley quickly became a rising star. She began landing bigger, more challenging roles, including her first movie part in Novitiate (2017), where she portrayed a young nun grappling with her faith. Critics were quick to praise her for the depth and authenticity she brought to the character.

Margaret Qualley’s career truly skyrocketed when she appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019. She played Pussycat, a mysterious, free-spirited hitchhiker who encounters Brad Pitt’s character. Despite sharing the screen with huge stars like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, Margaret’s natural charisma made her stand out and captured the audience’s attention.

In 2021, Margaret Qualley took on one of her most emotional roles yet in Netflix’s Maid. She played Alex, a young mother escaping an abusive relationship while fighting to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Based on a true story, the series resonated with audiences worldwide, and Margaret’s heartfelt performance left a lasting impact.

Why Is She So Loved?

Margaret Qualley isn’t just a talented actress, she’s refreshingly down-to-earth and relatable. Despite coming from a famous family, she’s worked hard to carve out her own path in the industry. Fans love her because she doesn’t take shortcuts; she pours her heart and soul into every role, making each performance truly unforgettable.

Margaret Qualley’s fun and quirky personality makes her even more lovable. In interviews, she’s always laughing and joking about herself, proving she doesn’t take life too seriously. Her fans appreciate how real and genuine she is, both on and off the screen.

Margaret Qualley Behind the Scenes

Although Margaret Qualley is often in the spotlight, she keeps her personal life relatively private. While she’s had a few high-profile relationships, she prefers to let her work speak for itself rather than feed into the gossip. Her grounded nature and dedication to her craft make her a role model for many young people.

When she’s not acting, Margaret Qualley enjoys simple things like cooking, reading, and spending time with her family. She’s also passionate about mental health awareness and often uses her platform to speak about important topics like self-care and emotional well-being.

New Fashion Icon in the Making

Margaret Qualley’s incredible sense of style is impossible to ignore. Whether she’s gracing the red carpet or strolling through New York, she always looks effortlessly chic. Her background in modeling has definitely helped her cultivate a fashion sense that’s both unique and timeless.

Margaret Qualley has fronted several high-end fashion campaigns and is often spotted in brands like Chanel and Valentino. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to blend elegance with comfort. Whether she’s rocking a designer gown or keeping it casual in jeans and sneakers, she always makes it look effortlessly cool.

The Substance

In The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, Demi Moore (62) plays Elizabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood star and former aerobics show host. After taking “the substance“, a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley (30), emerges and becomes the industry’s latest darling.

As Sue takes Elizabeth’s place on the fitness show, both women are consumed by their desire to stay youthful and relevant. The film, a bloody and emotional exploration of aging, stardom, and womanhood, has earned widespread acclaim and is nominated for five 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Moore and Best Picture.

Struggles While Filming

Margaret Qualley opened up about the intense preparation she went through for her iconic dance sequences in The Substance. She shared with Entertainment Weekly that she had weekend rehearsals for a long time before filming, and on one of her first days, she struggled to grasp the choreography.

After a tough moment, she broke down and asked for one-on-one lessons with the director, Coralie Fargeat. Qualley admitted that it was far outside her comfort zone, as she wasn’t a natural dancer. Every day on set pushed her physically and emotionally, and she described the dance sequences, including her workout to DJ Endor’s “Pump It Up!” as “brutal.”

What Lies Ahead?

Margaret Qualley’s journey is just getting started, and her future looks brighter than ever. With exciting projects on the horizon and collaborations with some of Hollywood’s top directors, fans can’t wait to see what she does next.

If there’s one thing about Margaret Qualley, it’s that she’s never afraid to step outside her comfort zone. From portraying a conflicted nun in Novitiate to a determined young mother in Maid, she gravitates toward roles that challenge her and showcase her versatility.

What do you think of Margaret Qualley?

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