Paul Qualley is a former American model, musician, and rancher who is best known as the ex-husband of Hollywood actress Andie MacDowell and the father of actress Margaret Qualley.He became a recognizable figure in the 1980s fashion world before choosing a quieter life away from the spotlight. His story is one of a man who traded glamour for a simple life on a Montana ranch, yet remained a devoted father to his three children.
Paul Qualley Quick Facts
| Detial | Information |
| Full Name | Paul James Qualley |
| Born | March 14, 1958 |
| Age | 68 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | About 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | California State University, Fullerton |
| Occupation | Former model, musician, rancher, real estate |
| Known For | Ex-husband of Andie MacDowell and father of Margaret Qualley |
| Spouse | Andie MacDowell (married 1986, divorced 1999) |
| Children | Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley |
| Net Worth | About $100,000 to $350,000 (some sources say higher) |
| Current Residence | Montana, USA |
| Famous Song | “Please Please” (1984) |
| Acting Role | Moon Europa (2009) |
| Recent Event | Attended 2025 Golden Globes with Margaret Qualley |
Paul Qualley’s Early Life and Background
Paul James Qualley was born on March 14, 1958, in New York City, USA.
He was born to parents Lee James Qualley and Patricia Ann Rondou. His father had Norwegian roots, while his mother was of Dutch and Belgian descent.
During his high school years, he was a sports star and earned a football scholarship to California State University, Fullerton. He graduated from the university with a Bachelor’s degree in 1980.
Not much else is publicly known about his childhood, as he has always kept his personal life private.
Paul Qualley Physical Appearance
Paul Qualley stood approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, which helped him succeed as a fashion model in the 1980s. His tall frame and classic good looks made him a natural fit for the modeling industry. Below is a quick summary of his physical features.
| Feature | Detail |
| Height | Approximately 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Athletic |
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell: Relationship Timeline
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell met in the 1980s while working together on a Gap advertising campaign.
They were both models at the time, and their connection was instant. The couple began dating shortly after they met and quickly became a well-known pair in the fashion world.
They dated for some time before deciding to get married. Their relationship was built on shared experiences in the modeling industry, and they soon started a family together.
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell Marriage
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell got married in 1986 and stayed together for 13 years before their divorce in 1999.
After their wedding, the couple moved to a ranch in Montana, where they raised their three children. MacDowell has said that she was never fond of rural living, which played a role in the end of their marriage.
As MacDowell’s acting career took off, she wanted to be closer to Hollywood and eventually moved the family to South Carolina in 1998, which marked the beginning of the end for their relationship.
Despite their divorce, they remained on good terms and continued to co-parent their children with love and respect.
What Andie MacDowell Has Said About Paul Qualley
Andie MacDowell has rarely spoken about her first marriage, but when she does, she speaks with warmth and appreciation for their time together.
She once explained that she decided she did not want to grow older in the middle of nowhere among people who were not her family, which led to their move and eventual divorce.
MacDowell has also shared that Paul was a hands-on father who built a house close to their children’s school and even brought lunch to them every day.
Their youngest daughter, Margaret, revealed that her parents lived just three miles apart when she was growing up, showing how committed they were to being present in their children’s lives.
Paul Qualley’s Children Relationship
Paul Qualley shares three children with Andie MacDowell: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley.
Justin Qualley is their firstborn son, born in 1986, and he works as a real estate agent in Montana.
Rainey Qualley, born in 1989, is an actress and also releases music under the name Rainsford. Margaret Qualley, born in 1994, is the youngest and has become a well-known actress with roles in Maid, The Substance, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
All three children grew up between Montana and North Carolina and remain close to both of their parents.
Career: Modeling, Music, and Ranching
Paul Qualley began his career as a fashion model, appearing in advertising campaigns and on runways for major brands.
He modeled for labels such as Gap and was known for his striking looks and tall frame.
In addition to modeling, he tried his hand at music and released a song called “Please Please” in 1984 under an Italian record label. He also pursued acting and had a small role in the 2009 film Moon Europa.
Eventually, he left the glamorous world of modeling behind and moved into ranching, managing a large property in Missoula, Montana. He also worked as a contractor and a realtor, choosing a quiet and productive life away from fame.
Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources
Paul Qualley’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $350,000, with some sources claiming it could be much higher.
His income has come from a mix of modeling, music, acting, ranching, property development, and real estate work.
He has never been one to chase fame or public attention, so his financial details remain largely private. What matters most to him is living a comfortable and peaceful life close to his children.
Paul Qualley Now: Where Is He Today?
Paul Qualley now lives a quiet life in Montana, where he manages his ranch and works in real estate.
He prefers to stay out of the public eye and is not active on social media. Despite his low profile, he remains a devoted father and has been spotted supporting his daughter Margaret at major events.
In June 2025, he joined Margaret for dinner in Rome while she was filming in the city. He also attended her wedding to Jack Antonoff in 2023, showing that family always comes first for him.
2025 Golden Globes Appearance with Margaret Qualley
Paul Qualley made a memorable appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes as his daughter Margaret’s plus-one.
Margaret’s husband, Jack Antonoff, was sick and could not attend, so she brought her father instead.
Paul wore a classic black suit paired with a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood t-shirt, a sweet tribute to Margaret’s first major film role. He told interviewers that he was “very proud” of his daughter and had always been proud of her since she was little.
Margaret later shared that her dad got starstruck by Adam Sandler at the event, calling it the “cutest thing” she had ever seen.
Conclusion
Paul Qualley may not be a household name, but his life story is one of quiet devotion to family and a preference for a simple life over fame.
He found success as a model, tried his hand at music and acting, and then built a peaceful life on a Montana ranch.
His 13-year marriage to Andie MacDowell gave him three wonderful children, and he has remained a loving and present father ever since.
Whether he is supporting his daughter at the Golden Globes or tending to his ranch, Paul Qualley shows that a meaningful life is not always the loudest one.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Question
How Old Is Paul Qualley?
Paul Qualley was born on March 14, 1958, making him 68 years old in 2026. He was born in New York City, United States.
Is Paul Qualley Still Married to Andie MacDowell?
No, Paul Qualley is not still married to Andie MacDowell. The couple married in 1986 and divorced in 1999 after 13 years of marriage. They have three children together.
What Does Paul Qualley Do Now?
Paul Qualley has largely stayed away from the public spotlight and is known for pursuing a quieter life after his modeling career. He has been associated with ranching, contracting, and real estate work, although details about his current professional activities are limited.
How Many Children Does Paul Qualley Have?
Paul Qualley has three children with Andie MacDowell: Justin Qualley, Rainey Qualley, and Margaret Qualley. His daughters Rainey and Margaret have both pursued careers in entertainment, while his son Justin has worked in real estate.
Who Is Paul Qualley’s Daughter Margaret Qualley?
Margaret Qualley is an American actress and the youngest child of Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell. She is known for roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Maid, and The Substance, and has established herself as a successful actress in her own right.
