Who Is Paul Qualley? Meet Andie MacDowell’s Ex and Margaret’s Dad

You may know Andie MacDowell from classic movies like Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. And you’ve probably heard of Margaret Qualley, the rising Hollywood star who starred in Maid and The Leftovers.

But have you ever wondered about the man behind the scenes — the one who helped raise these stars and once lived the Hollywood life himself?

That man is Paul Qualley.

He was once a model, a rancher, and even tried acting. But he chose a quiet life away from fame. In this article, we’ll explore Paul’s story — from his early days to his time with Andie, their children, and where he is now. Let’s get to know him better.

Paul Qualley Quick Bio

Paul Qualley’s Early Life and Childhood

Paul Qualley was born on March 14, 1958. Some say he was born in New York City, others say Wisconsin. But what we know for sure is that Paul had a simple childhood.

His parents were Lee James Qualley and Patricia Ann Rondou, and they had Norwegian roots. Paul grew up in a regular, non-famous family. He enjoyed quiet things like playing sports, going to school, and spending time with his loved ones.

There was nothing flashy about his early life — no movie sets, no fashion shows, just a normal boy with a calm start.

How Paul Qualley Got Into Modeling

Paul didn’t dream of being a model when he was young. But he was tall, athletic, and good-looking — and people noticed.

His friends and family encouraged him to give modeling a try. And it worked. By the 1980s, Paul was doing well in the fashion world. He worked with big brands and even modeled for GAP.

He walked on runways and appeared in magazines. Modeling gave him a taste of the spotlight, but Paul stayed humble. It was exciting, but deep down, he preferred a quieter life.

Paul Qualley’s Short Acting and Music Career

Besides modeling, Paul also gave acting and music a try.

In 2009, he had a small part in a sci-fi movie called Moon Europa. He played a character named Clo. It wasn’t a big Hollywood role, but it showed his creative side.

Paul also had some interest in music, though not much is known about it. Still, it was clear that he was open to exploring different things.

But over time, he realized the entertainment world wasn’t what he wanted long-term. So, he stepped away and chose a different path — one that would bring him peace.

How Paul Qualley Met Andie MacDowell

Paul’s life changed forever in 1985 when he met Andie MacDowell.

Both were working on a GAP photo shoot, and something clicked between them. They started talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. Soon, they fell in love.

In 1986, they got married. At that time, Andie was just starting her movie career, and Paul was still modeling. Instead of living in busy Hollywood, they moved to a ranch in Montana to live a quieter, family-focused life.

Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell’s Marriage

Their life on the ranch was peaceful. While Andie MacDowell worked on building her film career, Paul took care of the family and their home in the countryside.

When Andie turned 40, they moved the family to South Carolina, where her sister lived. Andie once said, “I didn’t want to grow older in the middle of nowhere among people who weren’t my family.”

During their 13-year marriage, they raised three children together. Life was full of love, long walks on the land, and moments that mattered. They weren’t the typical Hollywood couple — they chose nature and family over lights and cameras.

Why Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell Divorced

In 1999, after 13 years together, Paul and Andie decided to end their marriage.

The divorce wasn’t loud or messy. It was quiet and respectful. They both stayed focused on their children, and there was no public drama.

After the divorce, Andie remarried for a short time in 2001 to a businessman named Rhett Hartzog, but that marriage ended in 2004.

Paul chose a much more private path. He stepped away from fame, moved back to Montana, and built a peaceful life out of the spotlight. He didn’t remarry, and he doesn’t share his personal life with the public.

Paul Qualley’s Children: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret

Paul and Andie had three children, and each of them followed their own path.

• Justin Qualley (born 1986) is the eldest. He lives a very quiet life, works in real estate in Montana, and is now a father himself.

• Rainey Qualley (born 1990) is a singer, model, and actress. She performs music under the name Rainsford and has appeared in films too.

• Margaret Qualley (born 1994) is the most famous of the three. She’s known for The Leftovers, Fosse/Verdon, and Netflix’s Maid — where she starred alongside her mom.

Paul has been a quiet supporter for all his kids. He may not be in the spotlight, but he is always there in the background, cheering them on.

Paul Qualley and Margaret Qualley’s Bond

One of the sweetest parts of Paul Qualley’s story is his special bond with his daughter Margaret.

Even though Paul stayed out of the spotlight, he always supported Margaret from the sidelines. In fact, Margaret once tried to get her parents back together by asking her mom to watch The Parent Trap. She was young and hoped the movie would inspire Andie and Paul to reunite.

Instead, Andie started dating Dennis Quaid, who acted in The Parent Trap. Margaret said it was funny and confusing — she was hoping for one thing and got something totally different!

Still, Margaret has always said she had a pretty normal childhood, even with a famous mom. She went to a regular school and had regular friends. Paul made sure of that by giving her a grounded and peaceful life.

Where Is Paul Qualley Now?

So, what is Paul Qualley doing in 2025?

He lives a very quiet life in Missoula, Montana. He runs a family ranch, works as a contractor, and enjoys being close to nature. You won’t find him on social media, and he doesn’t appear in the news.

Paul once moved to Panama after his divorce, but came back to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Margaret actually convinced him to return. Since then, he’s stayed close to his family and enjoys a calm life surrounded by mountains and trees.

This peaceful lifestyle suits him. He doesn’t need the fame — he just wants to live a good, honest life.

Paul Qualley’s Role as a Grandfather

In 2022, Paul became a grandfather for the first time. His son Justin and Justin’s partner Nicolette welcomed a baby girl named Cozette.

Andie shared the news on Instagram, saying she was overjoyed. She called her children the “best part” of her life and said she couldn’t wait to meet her granddaughter.

Paul also got to enjoy this new chapter in a quiet way. During Christmas 2022, Andie said holding baby Cozette felt like a “soul-to-soul connection.”

Now, Paul Qualley is not just a father — he’s a grandfather, too. And that adds another beautiful layer to his story.

What Is Paul Qualley’s Net Worth?

Many people ask about Paul Qualley’s net worth.

He’s not rich in the Hollywood way, but he’s doing fine. Most sources say his net worth is somewhere between $100,000 and $350,000.

This money comes from his past modeling jobs, his work as a contractor, and his ranching business. He lives simply. He’s not flashy. You won’t see him showing off a fancy car or big house.

Paul values peace and purpose more than fame and money — and that’s what makes him special.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Paul Qualley?

He’s a man who once had a taste of fame, but chose family and peace instead. He was a model, an actor, and the husband of a Hollywood star. But what mattered most to him was being a good father and living a quiet life.

Now, in 2025, Paul Qualley is a proud dad, a loving grandfather, and a man who stays true to himself. He shows us that success doesn’t always mean being rich or famous. Sometimes, it just means being kind, strong, and present for the people you love.

And that’s the story of Paul Qualley — Andie MacDowell’s ex, Margaret’s dad, and a gentle soul living his best life in Montana.

(FAQs)

What is Paul Qualley’s net worth in 2025?

Paul Qualley’s net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $350,000. This may shock some people because he once lived close to Hollywood fame. But Paul chose a simple life, not money or luxury.

Did Paul Qualley act in any movies?

Yes, but only one small movie role. Paul Qualley appeared in the 2009 sci‑fi film Moon Europa. After that, he walked away from acting and never chased Hollywood again.

How tall is Paul Qualley?

Paul Qualley is 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm). His tall height helped him succeed as a fashion model in the 1980s, including GAP ads.

How many kids does Paul Qualley have?

Paul Qualley has three children:

• Justin Qualley – lives a private life

• Rainey Qualley – singer and actress (Rainsford)

• Margaret Qualley – famous Hollywood actress

He is also a grandfather to Justin’s daughter, Cozette.

Where is Paul Qualley now? Is he married?

In 2025, Paul Qualley lives in Montana, USA. He runs a ranch, works as a contractor, and avoids the spotlight. He is not remarried, has no public wife, and keeps his personal life very private.

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