Sarah Margaret Qualley, born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, is the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell and former model Paul Qualley. Raised in a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry, Margaret was exposed to the arts from a young age. She trained as a ballerina, studying at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre and the North Carolina School of the Arts, before transitioning to acting.
Margaret Qualley's breakthrough role came in 2014 when she was cast as Jill Garvey in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Leftovers." The show, which explores the lives of people grappling with the mysterious disappearance of 2% of the world's population, provided a platform for Qualley to showcase her acting prowess. Her portrayal of the troubled teenager received widespread praise, marking her as a talent to watch.
In 2019, Qualley took on the role of Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries "Fosse/Verdon," which dramatizes the tumultuous relationship between famed choreographer Bob Fosse and dancer Gwen Verdon. Qualley's performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. This role solidified her reputation as a versatile and dedicated actress.
Qualley's portrayal of Pussycat in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019) further elevated her status in the industry. Playing a member of the Manson Family, she delivered a captivating and unsettling performance that stood out in an ensemble cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. The film's success brought her considerable recognition and opened doors for more prominent roles.
One of Qualley's most significant achievements came with the Netflix series "Maid" (2021), where she played the lead role of Alex, a young mother escaping an abusive relationship and striving to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Her raw and powerful performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her critical acclaim and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.
In 2017, Margaret Qualley starred as Mia Sutton in the live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga "Death Note," directed by Adam Wingard. While the film received mixed reviews, Qualley's performance was noted for its intensity and commitment.
Qualley played a significant role in the biographical drama "Seberg" (2019), portraying Linette, a young activist involved with the Black Panther Party. The film, which stars Kristen Stewart as actress Jean Seberg, allowed Qualley to explore complex social and political themes through her character.
In 2020, Qualley starred in "My Salinger Year," a drama film based on Joanna Rakoff's memoir. She played Joanna, an aspiring writer working for J.D. Salinger's literary agent. The film showcased Qualley's ability to carry a narrative and imbue her character with nuance and relatability.
Margaret Qualley's career trajectory suggests a bright future with numerous exciting projects on the horizon. She continues to choose diverse and challenging roles that highlight her range as an actress. With her undeniable talent and dedication to her craft, Qualley is poised to become one of Hollywood's leading stars.
