The Man Behind Margaret Qualley: 5 Surprising Facts About Her Rancher Dad, Paul Qualley

Margaret Qualley, the celebrated actress known for *Maid* and *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, has one of the most intriguing family backgrounds in Hollywood. While her mother, Andie MacDowell, is a cinema icon, her father, Paul Qualley, has a life story that is far less public and arguably more fascinating. As of late 2025, Paul Qualley remains a private figure, choosing the quiet life of a rancher over the Hollywood spotlight, yet recent public appearances confirm his strong bond with his famous daughter. Paul Qualley's journey is a compelling tapestry woven from high-fashion modeling, European music charts, a brief acting stint, and a deep-rooted passion for the American West. His decision to step away from the modeling world and raise his family on a Montana ranch provides a unique context for Margaret's upbringing, setting her apart from many of her Hollywood peers. This article dives deep into the unexpected career turns and private life of the man who helped shape one of Hollywood's most exciting young stars.

Paul Qualley: A Complete Biography and Profile

Paul Qualley is an American former model, musician, and actor who gained significant public attention through his marriage to actress Andie MacDowell. Today, he is primarily known as a dedicated rancher in Montana.

• Full Name: Paul James Qualley
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1958
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 67 years old
• Place of Birth: New York, USA (Sources vary on exact location, but he is American)
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Andie MacDowell (m. 1986; div. 1999)
• Children: Justin Qualley (b. 1986), Rainey Qualley (b. 1990), and Sarah Margaret Qualley (Margaret Qualley) (b. 1994)
• Known For: Former model; Ex-husband of Andie MacDowell; Father of Margaret Qualley; Rancher.
• Career Highlights: Modeling for brands like Gap; Release of the Italo Disco song "Please Please" (1984); Role in the film *Moon Europa* (2009).
• Current Residence: Montana, USA

From Runway to Ranch: Paul Qualley's Unexpected Career Path

Paul Qualley's professional life is a testament to embracing diverse passions, moving from the glossy world of high fashion to the rugged terrain of a Montana ranch. His career began in modeling, where his striking looks and tall stature made him a sought-after face in the 1980s.

The Modeling Days and Meeting Andie MacDowell

Qualley’s modeling career was the catalyst for his most high-profile relationship. He met his future wife, Andie MacDowell, while they were both working on a photo shoot for Gap, a major brand at the time.

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The couple married in 1986 and chose to move away from the Hollywood buzz, settling on a working ranch in Missoula, Montana. This move was a defining choice for the family, with MacDowell commuting for her acting roles while Qualley managed the ranch and focused on raising their three children: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret.

A Brief, But Unique, Music Career

Long before his ranching life, Qualley had a surprising foray into the music industry. In 1984, he released an Italo Disco track titled "Please Please."

This single gained a unique claim to fame in Europe, specifically in Italy, where it was used as the theme song for the popular TV show "L'albero delle mele."

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This detail showcases a truly unexpected facet of his pre-Hollywood life, revealing his creative side that existed outside of modeling. He also has one acting credit, appearing in the 2009 film *Moon Europa*.

The Qualley Family Dynamic and Modern Relationship

Despite Paul and Andie MacDowell divorcing in 1999 after 13 years of marriage, they have successfully maintained a supportive and unified co-parenting relationship for their children.

Margaret Qualley has often spoken fondly of her father, highlighting the unique experience of growing up on a ranch in Montana. She has credited her father with being a steady presence in her life, especially when her mother was away filming.

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A Close Father-Daughter Bond in the Spotlight

In recent years, Paul Qualley has made rare but notable public appearances alongside his daughter, demonstrating their close relationship. In a sweet gesture, Margaret chose to bring her father as her date to the 2022 Emmy Awards, where she was nominated for her role in *Maid*, instead of her then-fiancé, Jack Antonoff.

This choice speaks volumes about the enduring bond between the actress and her private father.

The Wedding of the Year: Paul Qualley and Jack Antonoff's Dad

The most recent public update on Paul Qualley came during Margaret Qualley's high-profile wedding to musician Jack Antonoff in August 2023.

Photos from the star-studded event, which included guests like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, showed Paul Qualley fully participating in the festivities.

In a heartwarming display of family unity, he was photographed sharing a laugh with Jack Antonoff's father, Rick Antonoff, suggesting a warm and welcoming blend of the two families. This moment provided a fresh glimpse into the life of the notoriously private rancher, showing him happy and engaged at his daughter's major life milestone.

Topical Authority: Paul Qualley's Legacy Beyond Hollywood

Paul Qualley’s life is a fascinating study in contrasts: a man who experienced the ephemeral glamour of modeling and music but chose the permanence and solitude of ranching. His legacy is not just tied to his marriage or his children’s fame, but in the distinct, grounded upbringing he provided in Montana.

This choice of lifestyle heavily influenced his children. His daughter, Rainey Qualley, is also a musician and actress, while his son, Justin Qualley, maintains a very private life, echoing his father's preference for discretion.

Paul Qualley’s decision to prioritize a down-to-earth life on the ranch over the opportunities presented by Hollywood ensured that Margaret and her siblings had a stable, non-traditional childhood environment, which many believe contributed to Margaret's unique and grounded persona in the industry today.