Margaret Qualley Biography: Age, Height, Career, and Recent Works 2026

Margaret Qualley has cemented her status as one of the most compelling talents in modern cinema, evolving from a professional ballerina and high-fashion model into an Emmy-nominated powerhouse actress. This Margaret Qualley biography explores the age, height, career, and recent works of the star who captivated audiences in projects like Maid and Kinds of Kindness, offering an in-depth look at her trajectory to Hollywood stardom.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Sarah Margaret Qualley
• Nickname: Maggie
• Profession: Actress, Model, Dancer
• Date of Birth: October 23, 1994
• Age: 31 years 8 months old
• Birthplace: Kalispell, Montana, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: English, Scottish, Irish, French, and German
• Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
• Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 56 kg (123 lbs)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown
• Eye Color: Green
• Education: Professional Children’s School (New York), Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London)
• Marital Status: Married
• Spouse: Jack Antonoff (m. 2023)
• Parents: Andie MacDowell (mother), Paul Qualley (father)
• Siblings: Rainey Qualley, Justin Qualley
• Known For: Maid, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Leftovers
• Net Worth (2026): Estimated $5–7 Million
• Years Active: 2011–Present
• Current Residence: New York City / Los Angeles

Why Famous?

Margaret Qualley is famous for her authentic, raw approach to acting that transcends traditional “nepo-baby” narratives. She gained widespread critical acclaim for her titular role in the Netflix limited series Maid, where she starred alongside her real-life mother, Andie MacDowell. Her ability to blend high-fashion elegance with gritty, transformative character work has made her a favorite of auteur directors like Quentin Tarantino and Yorgos Lanthimos.

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Born in Montana, Margaret spent her formative years on a ranch in Asheville, North Carolina. Growing up as the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell and model/musician Paul Qualley, she was exposed to the creative arts early, though she initially focused her ambitions on dance rather than acting.

School Years

Qualley was a dedicated ballerina. She attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and later the prestigious Professional Children’s School in New York City. At age 16, she moved to New York to pursue a dance apprenticeship with the American Ballet Theatre, living independently while honing her discipline.

University & Training

While she eventually pivoted toward acting, Qualley ensured her craft was refined by formal education. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, focusing on Shakespearean studies. This rigorous training provided the foundation for the versatility she displays on screen today.

Career Journey

Qualley’s transition from ballet to film began with modeling, where she worked for houses like Chanel and Valentino. Her screen debut arrived in 2013 with Palo Alto, but it was her role as Jill Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers (2014–2017) that introduced her to global audiences.

Breakout and Critical Acclaim

The late 2010s saw Qualley rise to prominence with her role as Pussycat in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). This performance highlighted her “it-girl” screen presence. Shortly after, she took a monumental leap in her career by executive producing and starring in Maid (2021), a performance that earned her nominations for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Recent Activity (2024–2026)

As of 2026, Qualley has transitioned into more experimental cinema. Her collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos in Kinds of Kindness solidified her status as a muse for surrealist filmmakers. Recent works highlight her preference for challenging, character-driven narratives that push the boundaries of her physical and emotional range.

Filmography Highlights

• 2013: Palo Alto (Raquel)
• 2014–2017: The Leftovers (Jill Garvey)
• 2019: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Pussycat)
• 2019: Fosse/Verdon (Ann Reinking)
• 2021: Maid (Alex Russell)
• 2022: Stars at Noon (Trish)
• 2024: Kinds of Kindness (Vivian/Martha/Rose)

Net Worth & Earnings

As of 2026, Margaret Qualley’s net worth is estimated between $5 and $7 million. Her income is derived from high-profile acting contracts, long-standing brand ambassadorships with Chanel, and her roles as a producer. Her real estate holdings include properties in New York and proximity to her husband’s studio spaces.

Personal Life

Family Background

Her mother is iconic actress Andie MacDowell, and her father is former model Paul Qualley. She remains very close to her family, often citing them as her grounding force in the industry.

Relationships & Dating History

Qualley has been linked to various figures in the arts, including Nat Wolff and Shia LaBeouf. However, her most high-profile relationship culminated in marriage to musician and producer Jack Antonoff in August 2023.

Marriage

The wedding, held in New Jersey, was a star-studded event attended by Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Cara Delevingne. The couple is noted for keeping their personal life relatively private while supporting each other’s artistic endeavors.

Awards & Achievements

• Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series (Maid), 2022.
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film (Maid), 2022.
• Critics Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series, 2022.

Physical Statistics

Qualley’s background as a ballerina dictates her physical presence. Standing at 5’8″ (173 cm), she maintains a lean, athletic build. She favors Pilates and dance-based cardio to stay fit, often incorporating movement-based mindfulness into her daily routine.

Favorites

• Food: Fresh seasonal produce and farm-to-table cuisine.
• Travel Destination: The North Carolina countryside and London.
• Sport: Ballet/Dance and Yoga.

Interesting Facts

• She was a debutante at the Bal des débutantes in Paris in 2011.
• She is a trained ballerina who can still perform complex choreography.
• She once lived in a small apartment in New York while modeling to pay for acting classes.
• Her mother, Andie MacDowell, played her on-screen mother in Maid.
• She is an avid advocate for arts education in public schools.
• She is known for her distinctive, expressive eyebrows which directors often highlight.
• She has a deep interest in classic literature, often carrying books on film sets.
• She maintains a strong interest in visual arts and photography.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Margaret Qualley performed her own dance sequences in Fosse/Verdon?
• Did you know Margaret Qualley was a finalist for the American Ballet Theatre’s summer program at 16?
• Did you know Margaret Qualley considers her transition from dance to acting to be the most difficult challenge of her life?

Social Media

• Instagram: @margaretqualley [Link]

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Margaret Qualley?
As of 2026, Margaret Qualley is 31 years 8 months old years old.

Q2: Who is Margaret Qualley married to?
She is married to record producer Jack Antonoff, with whom she wed in 2023.

Q3: Is Margaret Qualley a professional dancer?
Yes, she trained as a professional ballerina for years before pivoting to acting.

Q4: What is Margaret Qualley’s most famous role?
She is best known for her critically acclaimed performance as Alex in the Netflix series Maid.

CONCLUSION

Margaret Qualley has successfully moved beyond her family’s shadow, carving out a unique space as a versatile and daring actress. With her recent work in 2026 reaffirming her commitment to high-concept cinema, she continues to be a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern acting. As she moves into her next decade of work, fans can expect more boundary-pushing roles and creative collaborations.

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Source Data: Industry databases, official interviews, and entertainment news archives.