Margaret Qualley described feelings of fear and insecurity when she began acting as a teenager, worrying that women might dislike her and men could harm her. Speaking to Vanity Fair on February 12, the actress credited her husband, Jack Antonoff, with helping her gain confidence and embrace her true self. Qualley, who married Antonoff in 2023, shared how his support made a significant difference in her life and career.
The actress explained,
“I felt like if I was fully myself, women would hate me and men would hurt me. And so that took away some of the tools that come with being a woman because I was scared. Jack has helped me for sure, because he has made me feel more confident to explore all the parts of myself,”
Margaret told Vanity Fair.
Tracing Margaret Qualley’s Career and Recent Projects
Margaret Qualley, daughter of Andie McDowell and Paul Qualley, began her film career in 2013 with the movie Palo Alto at age 20. Since then, she has appeared in 39 films, television programs, and music videos, including notable roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Substance. Her work has expanded beyond acting to include voice roles in video games and music videos.
In 2024 alone, Qualley starred in three feature films, with three more planned for 2025. This month, she will appear alongside Glen Powell in How to Make a Killing, followed by two additional film releases scheduled for 2026. Notably, she stars opposite Jacob Elordi in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars, set to premiere in theaters on August 28.
Reflecting on her demanding schedule, Margaret said,
“I’m very driven and extremely competitive with myself. As a professional, I’ve learnt that my eyes are too large for my stomach. That entails seizing every opportunity I can before collapsing and feeling as though I had a schedule that I can’t adhere to,”
as she told Vanity Fair.
Inside Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff’s Relationship Journey
Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff tied the knot in 2023 after meeting in 2021 at a rooftop party just as COVID restrictions were easing. The couple’s connection was immediate, with Qualley recounting to Cosmopolitan,
“We saw each other on a roof, and we just started talking and never stopped. We went on a series of walks throughout the city that summer.”
Their introduction was facilitated by Margaret’s older sister, Rainey, and by August 2021, the pair were spotted together in New York.
They made their first public appearance as a couple at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards, where Qualley’s project Maid received a nomination for best limited series. The following May, their engagement was confirmed publicly, with Margaret sharing the news on social media. Their wedding took place on Long Island Beach in August 2023, attended by celebrities such as Lana Del Rey, Channing Tatum, Zoe Kravitz, Cara Delevingne, and Taylor Swift.
Speaking about her romance with Antonoff, Margaret shared in Harper’s Bazaar,
“I am so happy that I found my person…and it’s real. It’s amazing. It’s the best feeling in the world. I’m so excited and so at ease all at once.”
The couple continues to attend major events and awards ceremonies together, including the Grammys.
The Ongoing Impact of Their Partnership
Margaret Qualley’s relationship with Jack Antonoff has provided her with emotional support and encouragement that has allowed her to confront self-doubt and grow both personally and professionally. Their connection has helped her embrace her identity and fueled her ambition amid a rapidly expanding career. As Qualley balances multiple projects stretching into 2026 and beyond, Antonoff’s influence appears to remain a steady source of confidence.
With new films and high-profile premieres on the horizon, Margaret Qualley’s evolving journey exemplifies resilience and determination, shaped in part by a partnership grounded in mutual understanding and growth.
