Sarah Margaret Qualley, born in Kalispell, Montana, in 1994, transitioned from a rigorous background in ballet to a professional career in modeling and acting. A student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and New York University, she gained widespread recognition for her work in television dramas and high-profile feature films released throughout the 2010s and 2020s.
Early Training and Modeling
Qualley spent her youth training as a ballet dancer, eventually earning an apprenticeship with the American Ballet Theatre. After attending the Professional Children's School and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she shifted her focus to modeling at age 16. During New York Fashion Week in 2011, she walked for Alberta Ferretti, followed by runway appearances for Valentino and Chanel in Paris. Her presence in the fashion industry included extensive work as a house ambassador for Chanel and various advertising campaigns for luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade.
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Her screen debut occurred in the 2013 film Palo Alto. She transitioned to television with a recurring role as Jill Garvey in the HBO series The Leftovers, running from 2014 to 2017. Her performance as Ann Reinking in the FX miniseries Fosse/Verdon earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. She later starred in the Netflix drama Maid in 2021, receiving nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her portrayal of the lead character.
Cinematic and Digital Projects
Qualley’s filmography includes a variety of genres, ranging from Shane Black's The Nice Guys to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She appeared in Yorgos Lanthimos's Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness. In addition to traditional cinema, she performed in the video game Death Stranding, as well as the 2025 title Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Her work in the 2024 film The Substance earned her a second Golden Globe nomination. In 2026, she is scheduled to appear in the post-apocalyptic drama The Dog Stars.
Fast facts
- Born: 1994, Kalispell
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: New York University, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Early occupation: Ballet dancer
- Television debut: The Leftovers (2014)
- Notable miniseries: Maid (2021)
- Video game performance: Death Stranding (2019)
Questions readers ask
What is Margaret Qualley’s educational background?
She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the Professional Children's School, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and New York University.
Which major awards has she been nominated for?
She has received nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Achievements
- Educated at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and New York University
- Worked as film actor, actor and television actor
