Margaret Qualley Movies and TV Shows: A Rising Star’s Journey in Hollywood
Margaret Qualley has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating talents, with an impressive array of Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows that showcase her range as an actress. From indie dramas to blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed series, Qualley’s career trajectory is a testament to her dedication and ability to embody complex characters. Born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, Qualley has carved her own path in the entertainment industry, proving she’s far more than a “nepo baby.” This article dives into the standout Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, exploring her evolution as an actress, her most iconic roles, and her contributions to film and television.
Early Beginnings: From Ballet to the Big Screen
Before captivating audiences in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, Qualley trained as a ballerina, studying at the American Ballet Theatre and New York’s Professional Children’s School. At 16, she shifted her focus to acting, a decision that would launch her into a flourishing career. Her debut came in 2013 with a small role in Palo Alto, a coming-of-age drama directed by Gia Coppola. This marked the beginning of her journey in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, where her natural talent and screen presence quickly caught attention.
Qualley’s early work laid the foundation for her ability to tackle diverse roles. Her background in dance brought a physicality and grace to her performances, which would later shine in projects like Fosse/Verdon and The Substance. As she transitioned from modeling and dance to acting, Qualley’s commitment to her craft became evident, setting the stage for her rise in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
Breakthrough Role in The Leftovers
One of Qualley’s first major roles was in the HBO series The Leftovers (2014–2017), a post-apocalyptic drama that became a turning point in her career. Playing Jill Garvey, the troubled teenage daughter of Justin Theroux’s character, Qualley showcased her ability to portray raw emotion and complexity. Her performance in The Leftovers was a critical success, cementing her as a rising star in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. The series, which explored themes of grief and loss, allowed Qualley to demonstrate her depth, earning her recognition among audiences and critics alike.
Stealing the Spotlight in The Nice Guys
In 2016, Qualley appeared in the dark comedy The Nice Guys, starring alongside Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Her role as Amelia, a young woman entangled in a 1970s Los Angeles conspiracy, was pivotal to the film’s plot. Despite limited screen time, Qualley’s performance was memorable, adding to her growing list of notable Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. The film’s 91% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes highlighted its critical acclaim, with Qualley’s contribution standing out in a star-studded cast.
A Diverse Filmography: Novitiate and Death Note
Qualley’s versatility shines through in her varied roles across Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. In 2017, she starred in Novitiate, a drama about a young woman training to become a nun during the Vatican II era. As Sister Cathleen Harris, Qualley delivered a nuanced performance, grappling with faith and identity in a way that resonated with audiences. The film’s exploration of complex themes showcased her ability to carry emotionally heavy roles.
That same year, Qualley took on a different genre with Death Note, a Netflix adaptation of the popular anime. While the film received mixed reviews, Qualley’s performance as Mia Sutton added intensity to the supernatural thriller, further diversifying her portfolio of Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. Her willingness to tackle both indie dramas and mainstream projects demonstrated her range and ambition.
Iconic Role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
One of Qualley’s most iconic roles came in 2019 with Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Playing Pussycat, a member of the Manson Family, Qualley shared the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Her performance was both seductive and unsettling, earning her and the cast a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. This role solidified her status as a standout talent in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, with critics praising her ability to hold her own alongside Hollywood heavyweights.
Acclaimed Performances in Fosse/Verdon and Maid
In 2019, Qualley earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries Fosse/Verdon. Her performance as the legendary dancer and actress garnered nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award, marking a high point in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. Her dance background was instrumental in capturing Reinking’s grace and charisma, making the role a perfect fit.
In 2021, Qualley took on the lead role in Maid, a Netflix miniseries based on Stephanie Land’s memoir. Playing Alex, a single mother navigating poverty and an abusive relationship, Qualley delivered a heart-wrenching performance that earned her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Maid became one of the most celebrated entries in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, with critics lauding her ability to portray resilience and vulnerability.
Venturing into Sci-Fi and Video Games
Qualley’s versatility extends beyond traditional Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. In 2019, she starred in the Netflix sci-fi film IO, playing a young scientist in a post-apocalyptic world. She also lent her voice and likeness to the video game Death Stranding, portraying both Mama and Lockne. These projects highlighted her ability to adapt to different mediums, further expanding her influence in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
Collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos: Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness
Qualley’s collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos has produced some of her most compelling work in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. In Poor Things (2023), she played Felicity, a character that showcased her physical comedy skills in a surreal, fantastical setting. The film’s critical and commercial success, including Oscar nominations, underscored Qualley’s ability to thrive in unconventional roles.
In 2024, Qualley reunited with Lanthimos for Kinds of Kindness, an anthology film where she portrayed four distinct characters, including a pair of twins. Her ability to differentiate each role while maintaining a cohesive performance was widely praised, adding another standout entry to Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
Body Horror Brilliance in The Substance
One of Qualley’s most talked-about roles came in 2024 with The Substance, a body horror film starring alongside Demi Moore. Playing Sue, the younger clone of Moore’s character, Qualley delivered a fearless performance that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The film’s cultural impact and critical acclaim made it a defining moment in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows, showcasing her willingness to push boundaries in bold, provocative projects.
Recent and Upcoming Projects: Honey Don’t! and Happy Gilmore 2
In 2025, Qualley starred in Honey Don’t!, a neo-noir comedy directed by Ethan Coen. Playing Honey O’Donahue, a private detective investigating a cultish church, Qualley brought humor and grit to the role, drawing inspiration from classic noir films like The Long Goodbye. Her chemistry with co-star Aubrey Plaza added to the film’s appeal, making it a notable addition to Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
Qualley also appeared in Happy Gilmore 2 (2025), a sequel to the beloved Adam Sandler comedy. While details about her role are limited, her involvement in such a high-profile project underscores her growing prominence in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows. Additionally, she’s set to star in Blue Moon, a Richard Linklater film about Lorenz Hart, and Love of Your Life, a romantic drama, both slated for release in 2025.
Qualley’s Unique Appeal and Future Prospects
What sets Qualley apart in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows is her ability to fully commit to every role, whether it’s a dramatic lead or a quirky supporting character. Her dance background informs her physicality, while her emotional depth brings authenticity to her performances. From indie gems like Sanctuary to mainstream hits like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Qualley’s filmography reflects her fearless approach to storytelling.
As she continues to take on challenging roles, Qualley’s star is only rising. Her upcoming projects, including A Head Full of Ghosts and The Stars at Noon, promise to further showcase her talent. With a knack for choosing diverse, impactful projects, Qualley is poised to remain a leading figure in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows for years to come.
Conclusion
Margaret Qualley’s journey in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows is a remarkable blend of talent, versatility, and bold choices. From her breakout role in The Leftovers to her Emmy-nominated performances in Fosse/Verdon and Maid, she has consistently delivered captivating performances. Her work in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Poor Things, and The Substance highlights her ability to tackle diverse genres, from comedy to body horror. As she continues to collaborate with visionary directors and take on complex roles, Qualley’s contributions to Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows ensure her place as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
FAQs
1. What is Margaret Qualley’s most famous role?
Margaret Qualley’s most famous roles include Pussycat in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Alex in Maid, and Sue in The Substance, all of which have earned her critical acclaim and award nominations.
2. Has Margaret Qualley won any awards for her performances?
While Qualley has not won a major award, she has been nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards for Fosse/Verdon and Maid, a Golden Globe for Maid and The Substance, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
3. What upcoming projects are included in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows?
Qualley’s upcoming projects include Honey Don’t!, Happy Gilmore 2, Blue Moon, and Love of Your Life, all set for release in 2025.
4. How did Margaret Qualley’s dance background influence her acting?
Qualley’s ballet training has informed her physicality and discipline, evident in roles like Ann Reinking in Fosse/Verdon and Felicity in Poor Things, enhancing her performances in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
5. What makes Margaret Qualley stand out in Hollywood?
Qualley’s ability to portray complex characters across genres, from drama to comedy to horror, combined with her fearless approach to challenging roles, makes her a standout talent in Margaret Qualley movies and TV shows.
