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From Supermodel To Montana Rancher: 7 Surprising Facts About Margaret Qualley's Father, Paul Qualley

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The question of who Margaret Qualley's father is has become a frequent search query as the actress's star power continues to rise, especially following her high-profile film roles and her recent marriage to Jack Antonoff. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the spotlight has swung back to her dad, Paul Qualley, thanks to a charming and very public appearance at a major awards show. What many fans don't realize is that Paul Qualley's life is a fascinating journey of reinvention, moving from the high-fashion runways of the 1980s to the quiet, rugged landscape of a Montana ranch.

Paul Qualley is far more than just "Margaret Qualley's dad." He is a former model, a contractor, a realtor, and a dedicated rancher who has intentionally stepped away from the glitz of Hollywood to pursue a life rooted in nature and manual labor. This article dives deep into his biography, his diverse career path, and the sweet, recent moments that have brought him back into the public eye alongside his famous daughter, providing the most current and updated information available.

Paul Qualley: A Complete Biographical Profile

Paul Qualley's life story is a compelling narrative of a man who found fame, walked away from it, and built a new life focused on family and the land. His journey is marked by significant career shifts and a commitment to a peaceful, private existence.

  • Full Name: Paul James Qualley
  • Date of Birth: 1958 (Specific date is private, but he is approximately 67 years old as of 2025)
  • Place of Birth: United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Norwegian descent
  • Spouse: Andie MacDowell (m. 1986; div. 1999)
  • Children: Rainey Qualley (Daughter), Justin Qualley (Son), Sarah Margaret Qualley (Daughter, known as Margaret Qualley)
  • Parents: Lee James Qualley and Patricia Ann Rondou
  • Known For: Former model, actor, musician, and the ex-husband of actress Andie MacDowell.
  • Current Occupations: Rancher, Contractor, Home Designer/Builder, and Realtor.
  • Current Residence: Missoula, Montana, USA.

The Unexpected Career Path: From Gap Model to Montana Contractor

Paul Qualley's professional life is a testament to his desire for reinvention, moving through several distinct and seemingly unrelated careers. His initial foray into the public eye was in the world of high fashion, where he met his future wife, Andie MacDowell, while they were both working as models.

Supermodel Stardom and the Andie MacDowell Connection

The 1980s saw Paul Qualley achieve considerable success as a model. He graced numerous runways and appeared in high-profile advertisements. His most famous collaboration was with Andie MacDowell, whom he met while they were both modeling for a Gap ad campaign. Their romance blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1986.

The couple had three children together: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret. This period of his life was defined by the glamour of the fashion industry and his role as a celebrity spouse. However, after their divorce in 1999, Paul Qualley made a conscious decision to leave the world of celebrity behind and seek a quieter, more grounded existence, a move that would define his subsequent career choices.

The Transition to Ranching and Building

Following his divorce, Paul Qualley's career took a drastic turn toward manual, hands-on work. He transitioned into the world of home design, building, and contracting. This new path allowed him to use his creativity and skills outside of the spotlight. He has been described as a property contractor and home designer, a natural fit for someone seeking a tangible, rewarding career.

Today, his primary focus is managing a large family ranch in Missoula, Montana. This life as a Montana rancher involves taking care of the land, a stark contrast to his days on the runway. His work is not limited to agriculture, however; recent information indicates that Paul Qualley also works as a realtor and contractor in the Missoula area, utilizing his expertise in property and construction. This multi-faceted career—rancher, contractor, and realtor—highlights his dedication to the rugged, peaceful lifestyle of the American West.

Brief Forays into Acting and Music

Before settling into his life in Montana, Paul Qualley also explored other creative avenues. He is credited with an acting role in the 2009 film Moon Europa. Additionally, he pursued a career in music, having released the track "Please Please." While these ventures were brief, they demonstrate a creative spirit that runs deep in the Qualley family, connecting him to the artistic careers of his famous daughters, Margaret and Rainey Qualley.

The Sweetest Stories: Paul Qualley and His Daughter Margaret

Despite his desire for privacy, Paul Qualley's relationship with his daughter, Margaret Qualley, has provided some of the most heartwarming and unique celebrity stories in recent memory. Margaret has often spoken about the positive influence her father has had on her life, especially after her parents' separation.

The Golden Globes Date That Stole the Show (2025)

In one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 awards season, Margaret Qualley chose her father, Paul Qualley, as her date for the Golden Globe Awards. This decision, made instead of bringing her husband, musician Jack Antonoff, was a sweet gesture that delighted fans and showcased their close bond. The evening provided a hilarious anecdote that Margaret later shared publicly.

While on the red carpet, the former model and rancher had a moment of pure, unadulterated fandom. According to Margaret, Paul Qualley was completely starstruck upon meeting actor Adam Sandler. She explained that in their family, Adam Sandler is revered as "the best guy in the world," making the encounter a highlight of the evening for her dad. This story offers a rare and charming glimpse into the private personality of Paul Qualley, who is clearly unaffected by the high-wattage celebrity he once knew.

Lessons on Romance and Life

Margaret Qualley has also credited her father with teaching her essential life lessons. In a recent interview promoting her film *Drive-Away Dolls*, Margaret revealed that her father, the model-turned-property contractor, taught her about romance early on after the divorce. She has consistently portrayed him as a supportive and loving figure who instilled in her a grounded perspective.

His move to a quiet life in Missoula, Montana, and his dedication to his hands-on work as a contractor and rancher, has clearly influenced Margaret's own down-to-earth nature. While her mother, Andie MacDowell, provided the blueprint for a successful acting career, Paul Qualley provided the blueprint for a life lived authentically and outside the constant demands of the entertainment industry.

The Qualley Family Legacy: Three Creative Children

Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell's three children have all gone on to pursue creative and professional careers, inheriting their parents' diverse talents.

  • Rainey Qualley: An accomplished actress, singer, and songwriter who often goes by the stage name Rainsford.
  • Justin Qualley: The eldest son, Justin Qualley, has pursued a career in real estate, aligning closely with his father's current work as a realtor and contractor.
  • Margaret Qualley: A Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress known for roles in *Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood*, *Maid*, and *Poor Things*.

The story of Paul Qualley is not just about a celebrity's father; it's about a man who successfully navigated a transition from the ephemeral world of modeling to the tangible reality of building and ranching. His quiet life in Montana, punctuated by sweet, supportive moments with his daughter Margaret, provides a refreshing counter-narrative to the typical Hollywood background, solidifying his role as a grounding force in the Qualley family.

From Supermodel to Montana Rancher: 7 Surprising Facts About Margaret Qualley's Father, Paul Qualley
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