| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Sarah Margaret Qualley |
| Birthday: | October 23, 1994 (age 31 years), Born in Kalispell, Montana |
| Height: | 5'8" (173 cm) |
| Education: | North Carolina School of the Arts (Student), Dance Professional Children's School (Diploma) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Student), Acting New York University (Dropped Out) |
Overview
Margaret Qualley is an American actress and former model, known for her early career as a trained ballet dancer, her breakthrough role in The Leftovers, and her Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated performances in Fosse/Verdon and Maid, as well as being the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell.
Latest News (Jan 27, 2026): Margaret Qualley received a nomination for "International Actress" at the IFTA Awards 2026 for her role in the film "Blue Moon".
Early Life and Formative Years
Sarah Margaret Qualley was born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana. She is the daughter of actress and model Andie MacDowell and former model Paul Qualley. Qualley has an older brother, Justin, and an older sister, Rainey, who is also an actress and singer. The family resided on a ranch in Missoula, Montana, before moving to Asheville, North Carolina, when she was four.
Her formative years were marked by a dedication to dance. At the age of 14, she left home to study at the North Carolina School of the Arts. She later trained as a ballet dancer, earning an apprenticeship at the American Ballet Theatre and studying at the Professional Children’s School in New York. However, at 16, she decided to shift her focus away from ballet. To remain in New York, she began a career in modeling. Subsequently, she turned her attention to acting and attended a summer program at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Career Beginnings in Modeling and Acting
At the age of 16, Sarah Margaret Qualley made her modeling debut during New York Fashion Week, walking for Alberta Ferretti in 2011. She also modeled for Valentino and Chanel during Paris Fashion Week. Her modeling work has included appearances in numerous publications such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and campaigns for brands like Kenzo and Ralph Lauren.
Qualley transitioned to acting with her debut in the 2013 film Palo Alto, where she had a small role. She secured the part after visiting her then-boyfriend, Nat Wolff, on the film’s set. Shortly after, in June 2013, she was cast in a regular role on the HBO series The Leftovers, which became a significant step in her acting career.
Breakthrough with “The Leftovers” and “Fosse/Verdon”
Her role as Jill Garvey in the critically acclaimed HBO drama series The Leftovers (2014–2017) is considered her breakthrough, bringing her wider recognition. Following her work on the series, she appeared in films such as the comedy The Nice Guys (2016) and the supernatural thriller Death Note (2017).
A pivotal moment in her career came with her portrayal of dancer and actress Ann Reinking in the FX biographical miniseries Fosse/Verdon (2019). This role earned her critical praise and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. Her performance showcased her dance background and acting abilities, solidifying her position as a rising talent.
Acclaim in Film and Television
Sarah Margaret Qualley has continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. She appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). In 2021, she took on the lead role in the Netflix drama miniseries Maid, starring alongside her mother, Andie MacDowell. Her performance in Maid was widely acclaimed and resulted in nominations for both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Her work in film also includes roles in Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things (2023) and Kinds of Kindness (2024). For her role in the body horror film The Substance (2024), she earned a second Golden Globe nomination. She also lent her voice and likeness to the video game Death Stranding (2019).
Personal Life
Sarah Margaret Qualley is married to musician Jack Antonoff. The couple wed in August 2023. She remains active in her acting career.