Margaret Qualley has rapidly become one of the most in-demand actresses of her generation. From her breakout role in a prestige HBO drama to starring in a body-horror sensation alongside Demi Moore, her filmography is a study in deliberate, high-impact choices. This guide provides a complete overview of Margaret Qualley’s movies and TV shows, her upcoming projects, and the key facts about her personal and professional life.
Born in Kalispell, Montana, Qualley initially pursued modeling before transitioning to film and television. Her early work in independent films like Palo Alto hinted at the range she would later display in major auteur-driven projects.
Her career has since evolved through collaborations with directors like Quentin Tarantino and Yorgos Lanthimos. She has built a reputation for choosing challenging, often unconventional roles that prioritize substance over spectacle.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Margaret Qualley Been In?
Film Credits
25+ movies (as of 2025)
TV Series
8+ series (including The Leftovers, Maid)
Award Nominations
Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG
Famous Family
Mother: Andie MacDowell, Sister: Rainey Qualley
- Margaret Qualley began her career as a model before transitioning to acting with Palo Alto (2013).
- Her breakout performance came in HBO’s The Leftovers (2014–2017), leading to high-profile roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the 2024 body horror The Substance.
- She is married to musician Jack Antonoff (Bleachers, Taylor Swift collaborator).
- Qualley often works with auteur directors: Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things), Spike Jonze (Kenzo World short), and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).
- The 2026 release schedule includes at least two rumored projects, though no official announcements have been made yet.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | October 23, 1994 (Kalispell, Montana, USA) |
| Parents | Andie MacDowell (actress), Paul Qualley (model) |
| Siblings | Rainey Qualley (actress/singer), Justin Qualley |
| Education | Studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (left early for acting) |
| Debut | Palo Alto (2013) |
| Spouse | Jack Antonoff (married 2023) |
| Notable Awards | Primetime Emmy nomination for Fosse/Verdon (2019) |
| Role in The Substance (2024) | Sue, alongside Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid |
| Role in Poor Things (2023) | Felicity |
| Role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019) | Pussycat |
| Role in The Leftovers (2014–2017) | Jill Garvey |
| Role in Maid (2021) | Alex |
What Are Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming Movies and Projects?
Qualley has a substantial slate of projects that have either recently premiered or are in various stages of development. Her 2025 credits include Blue Moon and Honey Don’t, both directed by Ethan Coen. She is also listed in the credits for Happy Gilmore 2, which premiered in 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026, the film How to Make a Killing is listed as a confirmed project. Another future project, The Dog Stars, remains on her roster but has not received a specific release date. Several industry reports also mention a potential collaboration with Kathryn Bigelow, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Based on available listings, How to Make a Killing is scheduled for a 2026 release. A second film, an untitled dark comedy from A24, is also in development according to industry sources, but no official announcement has been made regarding its release date.
Who Is Margaret Qualley Married To?
Margaret Qualley is married to musician and producer Jack Antonoff. Antonoff is well-known as the frontman of the band Bleachers and as a prolific songwriter and producer who has worked extensively with Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey. The couple married in 2023.
Is Margaret Qualley related to Rainey Qualley?
Yes, Rainey Qualley is Margaret’s older sister. Rainey is also an entertainer, working primarily as a singer, model, and actress. Because both sisters are public figures with the same last name, their filmographies are occasionally confused in online searches. Rainey has appeared in projects such as Love and Debt and Mighty Oak, but her career path has largely focused on music.
Who is Margaret Qualley’s mother?
Her mother is the well-known actress and model Andie MacDowell. MacDowell’s Hollywood connections provided early exposure for Qualley, but the younger actress has built her career on distinct, independent roles.
Is Margaret Qualley in Happy Gilmore?
This is a common point of confusion. Margaret Qualley did not appear in the original 1996 film Happy Gilmore. The misconception appears to stem from a few different factors, including the resemblance between her sister Rainey Qualley and the actress who played Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), and the general public interest in the Qualley family.
The credit that appears in her recent filmography is for Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel project that premiered in 2025. There is no record in her verified filmography of any role in the original film.
Margaret Qualley is not in Happy Gilmore (1996). Her credit is for the 2025 sequel Happy Gilmore 2. Searching for her in the original film will yield no results.
Career Timeline: From Debut to 2025
- 1994: Born in Kalispell, Montana.
- 2012: Signed with IMG Models.
- 2013: Acting debut in Palo Alto.
- 2014: Cast in HBO’s The Leftovers.
- 2016: Appeared in The Nice Guys and Kenzo World short film.
- 2017: Starred in Death Note; featured in video game Death Stranding.
- 2019: Breakthrough role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; Emmy nomination for Fosse/Verdon.
- 2021: Lead in Netflix limited series Maid (Golden Globe nomination).
- 2023: Married Jack Antonoff; appeared in Poor Things.
- 2024: Starred in The Substance (Cannes premiere).
- 2025: Credits include Blue Moon, Honey Don’t, and Happy Gilmore 2.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Married to Jack Antonoff since 2023. | Whether she appeared in the original Happy Gilmore (1996) – widely debunked based on available records. |
| Appeared in The Substance (2024), Poor Things (2023), Maid (2021), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). | Rainey Qualley’s filmography is often fused with Margaret’s due to their shared surname. |
| Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Fosse/Verdon. | Specific 2026 release dates for upcoming movies are not officially announced; based on industry reports and unconfirmed listings. |
| Mother is Andie MacDowell. | Details of her role in The Dog Stars have not been publicly shared. |
How Has Her Career Developed and What Does It Mean?
Margaret Qualley’s career trajectory demonstrates a deliberate shift from model to critically acclaimed actress. She has consistently chosen challenging, indie-driven roles over mainstream blockbusters. Her collaborations with directors like Quentin Tarantino, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Ethan Coen signal a clear focus on prestige projects.
She is widely considered one of the most promising actresses of her generation, often compared to Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh in terms of her range and selectivity regarding projects. While her mother Andie MacDowell’s connections likely provided early career exposure, Qualley has carved her own distinct path. She is also moving into producing, having served as an executive producer on the 2022 film Sanctuary.
What Do People in the Industry Say About Her?
“Margaret Qualley is a force of nature – she brings a raw, unpredictable energy to every role.”
Coralie Fargeat, director of The Substance (2024 interview)
“Working with Quentin was a dream. I learned more in three months than in all my years of acting.”
Margaret Qualley, Variety interview (2019)
What Is the Bottom Line on Margaret Qualley’s Career?
Margaret Qualley has built a filmography that moves from TV breakout roles like The Leftovers and Maid to prestigious films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Poor Things, and The Substance. She is married to Jack Antonoff, is sister to Rainey Qualley, and her recent projects include Blue Moon, Honey Don’t, Happy Gilmore 2, How to Make a Killing, and The Dog Stars. The most common misconception to be aware of is the belief that she appeared in the original Happy Gilmore; the available records point to the 2025 sequel instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margaret Qualley
Is Margaret Qualley in Happy Gilmore?
No, Margaret Qualley has never appeared in Happy Gilmore. This misconception may arise because her sister Rainey Qualley resembles the actress who played Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen).
What is Margaret Qualley’s net worth?
As of 2025, estimated net worth is around $4 million, primarily from acting roles and endorsements.
Does Margaret Qualley have children?
No, she does not have any children as of 2025.
What is Margaret Qualley’s role in Poor Things?
She played Felicity, a fellow resident of the bizarre Victorian-era boarding house, alongside Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo.
Are Margaret Qualley and Rainey Qualley twins?
No, Rainey is older. Margaret was born in 1994, Rainey in 1990.
When did Margaret Qualley start acting?
Her acting debut was in 2013 with the film Palo Alto.
What is Margaret Qualley’s role in The Substance?
She plays Sue, a younger version of Demi Moore’s character in the 2024 body-horror film.
Did Margaret Qualley appear in Death Note?
Yes, she starred in the 2017 Netflix adaptation of Death Note.
What TV shows has Margaret Qualley been in?
Her main TV credits are The Leftovers (HBO), Fosse/Verdon (FX), and Maid (Netflix).
Is Margaret Qualley in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
Yes, she played the character “Pussycat” in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film.
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Thomas Whitmore covers politics, public policy and government affairs for BritView.uk.