Margaret Qualley Reflects on Love and Career

Margaret Qualley shares more than just her fashion choices in the recent Autumn 2025 issue of Cosmopolitan. In her interview, she opens up about her relationship with Jack Antonoff and her feelings before they crossed paths.

“In past relationships, I often felt alone, like I wasn’t truly with the right person,” she explained. “That’s not the case anymore. Jack makes me feel safe and at ease.”

Qualley acknowledged that she spent years trying to fit into an ideal role for others, which changed frequently. “But with Jack, I can’t hide who I am; he’ll see right through it. I need to be authentic.” The couple first connected after marrying in 2023.

She described falling in love with Antonoff as the most overwhelming sensation she had ever experienced. “We met post-COVID,” she recalled, smiling. “One evening, we found ourselves chatting on a rooftop, and it just clicked. We ended up walking around the city that summer.” Qualley admitted to quickly developing feelings for the 41-year-old musician, noting he was the first to express his love.

“He definitely did that,” she mentioned, adding that she prefers a more traditional approach in such matters. “I won’t text again, meaning, I’m married now. We communicate freely; he’s my go-to for everything,” she said, reflecting on her earlier hesitation to reach out.

Qualley opened up about childhood crushes, revealing that her first infatuation was with Adam Sandler from films like “Happy Gilmore.” “I was kind of searching for that vibe in my life… like, ‘Jack is the one,'” she mused.

In discussing “healthy love,” she emphasized the importance of being grounded. “You need a strong foundation,” she remarked, particularly in the entertainment industry. “Love can be tough, too, which is why I want to create films that capture both platonic and romantic love. It’s something I want to share with my future children.”

During her interview, Qualley reflected on her relationship with her mother, Andy McDowell. It’s noteworthy that over 40 years prior, her mother graced the cover of Cosmopolitan as well. “It’s pretty iconic,” she said of her mom’s legacy.

McDowell, known for roles in “Groundhog Day” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” was a model in her youth. Meanwhile, Qualley embarked on her own journey, moving to New York City at just 16 to join a ballet program, although she eventually realized dance wasn’t her calling.

“I didn’t think I was cut out to be a dancer,” she admitted. “If I couldn’t excel at it, I wasn’t interested.” That realization led her to modeling, which she found much more fulfilling.

Qualley shared how she managed to make a living through modeling, asking her mother if she’d finally found her path. Yet, her acting career didn’t truly take off until 2013 with “Palo Alto,” and she gained wider recognition a year later with HBO’s “The Leftovers.”

Reflecting on her teenage years in the city, she recalled a feeling of isolation. “At 16, I was all alone. My peers went home to their families while I struggled with schoolwork,” she recounted, often feeling out of place.

“I spent my 20s living out of suitcases, with mattresses on the floor,” she concluded. “But by 18, I achieved financial independence. It was certainly a challenging journey.”