From captivating indies to major blockbusters, Margaret Qualley has carved out a unique space for herself in Hollywood with her fearless performances, undeniable charisma, and a knack for disappearing into diverse roles.
Margaret Qualley attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Born into an entertainment dynasty (her mother is the iconic Andie MacDowell), Qualley has proven time and again that her success is entirely her own, fueled by a relentless work ethic and a commitment to her craft. To celebrate her special day, let’s take a look back at 10 pivotal roles that cemented her status as one of the most exciting actresses of her generation.
The Leftovers (2014-2017) – Jill Garvey
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Qualley’s breakout role as Jill Garvey, the angsty and complex daughter in HBO’s critically acclaimed supernatural drama, immediately put her on the map. She navigated the show’s heavy themes with remarkable nuance, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. Her portrayal was widely celebrated by critics and audience.
The Nice Guys (2016) – Amelia Kuttner
In this stylish and hilarious Shane Black neo-noir, Qualley held her own alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Her turn as the enigmatic Amelia, the missing young woman at the center of the film’s wild, interwoven mystery, showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with rebellious confidence. Though a supporting role, Qualley made a memorable impact through her sharp presence and expressive energy, bringing a sense of depth and intrigue to a character constantly one step ahead of everyone else. The Nice Guys (2016) became one of her first major film appearances, hinting at the nuanced, fearless performances that would later define her career
Novitiate (2017) – Sister Cathleen/Evelyn
Qualley delivered a truly transformative performance in this independent drama about young women training to become nuns in the 1960s. Her portrayal of a devout yet questioning novice was deeply moving and showcased her dramatic range.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Pussycat
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Working with Quentin Tarantino, Qualley delivered a truly scene-stealing performance as the magnetic, barefoot “Pussycat,” a hitchhiking member of the Manson Family. Balancing playful innocence with quiet menace, Qualley brought an unpredictable energy to every scene she shared with Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth. Her portrayal was both alluring and unnerving: a perfect embodiment of Tarantino’s offbeat, tension-filled world. Though her screen time was brief, Qualley’s captivating presence made “Pussycat” one of the film’s most memorable and talked-about characters.
My Salinger Year (2020) – Joanna Rakoff
Qualley took the lead as aspiring writer Joanna Rakoff in this charming adaptation of the memoir. Her performance captured the earnestness and self-discovery of a young woman who lands a job assisting the literary agent of the notoriously reclusive J.D. Salinger, grappling with fan mail and finding her own voice.
Maid (2021) – Alex
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This raw and deeply empathetic performance as Alex, a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship to work as a maid, earned Qualley widespread critical acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. It solidified her status as a formidable dramatic lead.
Stars at Noon (2022) – Trish Johnson
In Claire Denis’s atmospheric thriller, Qualley took on the lead role of an American journalist stranded in Nicaragua. The film allowed her to showcase a different kind of vulnerability and grit, working with a world-renowned auteur.
Poor Things (2023) – Felicity
In Yorgos Lanthimos’s Oscar-winning cinematic spectacle, Qualley played Felicity, the character created as Bella Baxter’s replacement. Though a supporting role, it demanded a unique, physical performance that highlighted her versatility and willingness to embrace the unconventiona
The Substance (2024) – Sue
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This body horror feature became one of Qualley’s most talked-about roles, earning her Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations. She played Sue, the younger, “perfect” double of Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth, in a shocking and daring performance.
Honey Don’t! (2025) – Honey O’Donahue
Margaret Qualley stars in this comedy as Honey O’Donahue, a sharp-witted private detective operating in California. Caught investigating a suspicious automotive “accident,” Honey finds herself entangled in a web involving a cultish church led by the charismatic and corrupt Reverend Drew Devlin (played by Chris Evans) and a tangled romance with cop MG Falcone (Aubrey Plaza). Qualley brings to the role a blend of old-school film-noir grit and modern rebellious swagger: she slips effortlessly into the femme-fatale archetype yet subverts it with sharp humor and coolness.
