Margaret Qualley has carved a distinct path in Hollywood, moving beyond her famous parentage (daughter of Andie MacDowell) to establish herself as a versatile and captivating actress. Her career, though relatively young, showcases a remarkable range, from ballet to television to independent film.
Qualley initially pursued a career in ballet, training rigorously and even earning an apprenticeship with the North Carolina Dance Theatre. However, she transitioned to modeling at age 16, which ultimately led her to acting. Her early roles, like a brief appearance in Gia Coppola’s *Palo Alto* (2013), hinted at her potential, but it was her performance as Jill Garvey in HBO’s critically acclaimed series *The Leftovers* that truly brought her to wider attention. Over its three seasons, Qualley imbued Jill with a compelling mix of vulnerability and rebellious spirit, effectively portraying a teenager grappling with profound loss and a world irrevocably changed.
Following *The Leftovers*, Qualley steadily built her filmography with diverse projects. She starred in Shane Black’s action-comedy *The Nice Guys* (2016), showing her comedic timing alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Then, in 2017, she captivated audiences in Spike Jonze’s Kenzo World fragrance advertisement, showcasing her expressive physicality and captivating screen presence, even without dialogue. This viral performance further solidified her rising star status.
Qualley’s subsequent choices have demonstrated her commitment to challenging and often unconventional roles. She earned an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries *Fosse/Verdon* (2019), a demanding part that required her to master intricate dance routines and embody the spirit of the legendary choreographer. She also took on the role of Pussycat in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019), a captivating portrayal of a Manson Family member that showcased her ability to portray both innocence and unsettling devotion.
More recently, Qualley has continued to explore diverse genres and character types. She starred in the Netflix miniseries *Maid* (2021), a powerful and emotionally resonant performance as a young mother escaping an abusive relationship. This role garnered her significant critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a compelling dramatic actress. She has also appeared in films like *Stars at Noon* (2022), directed by Claire Denis, demonstrating her willingness to work with auteurs and embrace challenging artistic visions. With each role, Margaret Qualley continues to prove her versatility and commitment to her craft, establishing herself as one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood.