Have you ever wondered what happened to Paul Qualley — the man who was once married to Hollywood star Andie MacDowell?
Most people remember Paul as Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband, but he has his own story. He was a successful model in the 1980s. He became a father to three kids, including actress Margaret Qualley. Later, he left the spotlight and moved to the countryside to live a peaceful life.
In this article, we’ll explore Paul Qualley’s life — from his early days, his marriage to Andie, his time as a model, and what he’s doing now. Let’s begin.
Paul Qualley Quick Bio
| Full Name | Paul James Qualley |
| Known As | Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband |
| Birthdate | March 14, 1958 |
| Age (2026) | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Norwegian roots) |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Education | Cal State University, Fullerton |
| Job Today | Rancher, contractor |
| Old Jobs | Model, actor |
| Movie Role | Moon Europa (2009) |
| Music | Song: Please Please (1980s) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Andie MacDowell |
| Kids | Justin, Rainey, Margaret |
| Grandchild | Cozette (born 2022) |
| Lives In | Missoula, Montana, USA |
| Net Worth (2026) | About $100,000 |
Paul Qualley’s Early Life and Background
Paul James Qualley was born on March 14, 1958, in New York City, USA. He comes from a family with Norwegian roots. His parents were Lee James Qualley and Patricia Ann Rondou. He was raised in a simple, quiet home, far away from Hollywood or fame.
As a child, Paul liked sports and nature. He wasn’t chasing the spotlight. He just enjoyed living a normal life. This calm way of living would later become a big part of who he is.
Education and College Days
Paul was a smart and athletic student. Because he played football well, he got a sports scholarship to California State University, Fullerton.
He studied hard and graduated in 1980. No one knew back then that he would soon become a model and marry one of the most famous actresses in the world. But life had other plans.
How Paul Qualley Became a Model
Modeling was not Paul’s dream at first. But with his tall height (6’2”), blue eyes, and calm charm, many people told him he should try it. So, he did.
In his 20s and 30s, Paul started getting jobs for big fashion brands. He even traveled around the U.S. and Europe for work. He became known in the fashion world, and people started to recognize his face from magazines and ads.
One of his most famous modeling jobs was for GAP — and that job would change his life forever.
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell: How They Met
It was the mid-1980s. Paul was modeling for a GAP commercial. That’s when he met a young, rising actress named Andie MacDowell. She was just starting her career in movies.
Their connection was quick and real. They started dating and soon fell in love. In 1986, Paul and Andie got married. It wasn’t a big fancy wedding. Just something simple and full of love.
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell were a perfect pair. She was chasing her dream in movies. He was there to support her — quietly, but always present.
Life as Andie MacDowell’s Husband
After they got married, Paul and Andie decided to leave Hollywood and live in the country. They moved to a beautiful ranch in Montana, surrounded by mountains and animals. Paul loved the ranch life — quiet, simple, and natural.
Andie also liked being away from the cameras when she wasn’t working. They had space to raise a family and live peacefully. Later, when Andie turned 40, they moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where her sister lived. She said, “I didn’t want to grow older in the middle of nowhere among people who weren’t my family.”
For many years, they made things work. Paul stayed home and took care of the ranch and kids while Andie traveled for her movies. It was a team effort built on love.
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell’s Children
Paul and Andie had three children together:
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Justin Qualley – born in 1986
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Rainey Qualley – born in 1990
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Margaret Qualley – born in 1994
Paul loved being a dad. While Andie’s career grew, he spent more time at home with the kids. Their children were raised mostly on the ranch — with horses, big skies, and a lot of love.
He taught them about hard work and family values. Even though Rainey and Margaret later became actresses, they always remembered the peaceful, loving life their dad gave them.
Why Did Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell Divorce?
After 13 years of marriage, Paul and Andie got divorced in 1999. There wasn’t a scandal or big fight. It was just the end of a long relationship.
They stayed respectful toward each other and focused on raising their kids. Andie went on to remarry for a short time. Paul did not. He chose to stay single and keep his life private.
Even after the divorce, Paul was always there — as a father, as a quiet support, and as someone who didn’t need fame to feel fulfilled.
What Happened to Paul Qualley After the Divorce?
After the marriage ended, Paul left the spotlight completely. He stopped modeling. He stopped acting. He didn’t give interviews or chase attention.
Instead, Paul moved to Panama for a few years to live peacefully. Later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret convinced him to return to the United States.
When he came back, he focused on what he loved most — ranching, nature, and family. It was like coming home for him.
Where Is Paul Qualley Now in 2026?
Today, Paul Qualley lives a peaceful life in Missoula, Montana. He doesn’t go to Hollywood events. He doesn’t care for interviews or fame. Instead, he wakes up early, works with animals, and enjoys the quiet life.
He spends most of his time managing a large family ranch. Paul also works as a contractor and does real estate projects. He builds things, fixes things, and enjoys staying busy with hands-on work. It’s a simple life, but it makes him happy.
For Paul, this quiet routine feels just right. He has traded red carpets for green fields. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Paul Qualley’s Special Bond With His Kids
Even though Paul Qualley lives far from the spotlight, he is still very close to his children. He shares a deep bond with all three of them — Justin, Rainey, and Margaret. But his connection with Margaret Qualley is especially strong.
In 2025, Margaret had a big night at the Golden Globe Awards, but her husband, Jack Antonoff, was sick. So guess who stepped in as her date? Her dad, Paul. He wore a simple black suit and a T-shirt with Margaret’s movie on it (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). It was a proud moment for both of them.
Paul also walked Margaret down the aisle at her wedding to Jack Antonoff in August 2023. The wedding was full of celebrities, but Paul stayed quiet and focused on being a loving dad.
Paul Qualley Becomes a Grandfather
In 2022, Paul Qualley became a grandfather for the first time. His son, Justin, and Justin’s partner, Nicolette, welcomed a baby girl named Cozette.
This made Paul’s family even more special. His ex-wife Andie MacDowell was very excited too. She said, “My children are the best part of my life,” and now she gets to enjoy being a grandmother. Paul shares that quiet joy — staying close to his family, even if he’s not loud about it.
Margaret Qualley’s Love for Her Dad
Margaret Qualley, now a well-known actress, often talks about how much she loves her dad. She grew up riding horses with him, spending time in nature, and learning about real life away from the cameras.
As a little girl, Margaret used to watch The Parent Trap over and over. She secretly hoped her parents would get back together. That shows how much she loved both of them — and how much Paul meant to her.
Now, even as a famous actress, she still holds on to the quiet lessons she learned from her dad — kindness, hard work, and being true to yourself.
Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell’s Life After Divorce
Even though they divorced in 1999, Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell have remained respectful toward each other. They both showed up with big smiles at Margaret’s wedding in 2023. It wasn’t about the past. It was about showing love and support for their daughter.
Andie had a short second marriage to businessman Rhett Hartzog, but she is now single. She raised the children mostly in North Carolina and often talks about how important family is to her.
Paul and Andie may not be a couple anymore, but they will always share a bond — through their children and now through their grandchildren.
Paul Qualley’s Net Worth and Work Life Today
Paul Qualley’s net worth is around $100,000 as of 2026. He may not be rich by Hollywood standards, but he has made a good life for himself.
He earns money from ranching, construction work, and real estate projects. He enjoys staying active and building things. For Paul, success isn’t about money or fame. It’s about living a meaningful life with peace and purpose.
Even though Paul used to be a model, and was married to a movie star, he never cared much about being famous. He chose a different path — one with open skies and quiet mornings.
Final Thoughts
Paul Qualley’s life is a reminder that you don’t need fame to be fulfilled.
He was once a model. He married a Hollywood actress. He helped raise three amazing kids. And then he stepped away from the cameras and chose a quieter, slower life.
Today, Paul Qualley is more than Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband. He is a rancher, a father, a grandfather, and a man of peace. His story is simple, but powerful — showing that the best kind of life is often the one lived quietly, with love, and with purpose.
(FAQs)
What is Paul Qualley’s net worth today?
Paul Qualley’s net worth is about $100,000. This surprises many people because he was once a famous model and married to a big movie star. He chose a simple life instead of money and fame.
Did Paul Qualley ever act in movies?
Yes, he did. Paul acted in a small sci‑fi movie called Moon Europa in 2009. Most people don’t know this because he never chased an acting career.
How old is Paul Qualley and when is his birthday?
Paul Qualley was born on March 14, 1958. In 2026, he is 68 years old.
Where does Paul Qualley live now and what is his life like?
Paul lives in Missoula, Montana. He lives very quietly on a ranch. He works with land and animals and stays away from Hollywood.
Does Paul Qualley have a partner and kids?
Paul is not married and has no known partner. He has three kids with Andie MacDowell — Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley.
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