Guess the Star Who Raised 3 Children, Two of Whom Are Similar to Her & Followed in Her Footsteps
- She is a distinguished American actress, whose legacy goes beyond the silver screen.
- Her career spans from high-fashion runways to critically acclaimed film roles.
- Her talent has earned her prestigious awards and inspired a familial tradition in the arts.
The model walking the runway on April 28, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Before the lights and cameras, she graced the fashion industry, modeling for elite brands like Calvin Klein and serving as the face of L’Oréal. Her transition to film began with early roles in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" and "St. Elmo’s Fire," laying the groundwork for an extensive career.
The model in the film "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" in March 1983 | Source: Getty Images
It was "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" that catapulted her into the limelight, garnering an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead and a Golden Globe nomination. This milestone was followed by a string of hits, including "Green Card," "Groundhog Day," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral."
Away from the camera, her life is equally full, as a mother to three children who have inherited her artistic spirit. Notably, one of her daughters has had the privilege of sharing the screen with her.
The model posing for a photo on March 22, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
First Daughter, Rainey Qualley
Rainsford Dubose Qualley, better known as Rainey, was born in New York City on March 11, 1990, and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. She started dancing at two and has since developed into an actress and singer.
Recognized for her talents early on, she was crowned Miss Golden Globe in 2012 and made her music debut in 2015 under the name "Rainsford." The middle child among three siblings, Rainey has a close relationship with her mother, who initially kept her from watching her more mature films.
Now, Rainey enjoys watching her mother's earlier works, feeling a connection to the times her mother portrayed before she was born. "It's fun being able to see them now, especially 'Sex, Lies,' since she was pregnant with me at that time. And 'Green Card' too—I just like seeing her then, because I never knew her when she was younger," she said.
Rainey Qualley attends the Dior show on February 25, 2020 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
In Los Angeles, Rainey leads a life that includes a successful modeling career, a passion for music, and a love for animals, which she often shares on her Instagram.
Her music, characterized by its relatable lyrics, has struck a chord with her audience. Followers frequently comment on her resemblance to her mother, noting their shared beauty. "You look so much like your mama!" one fan stated.
Second Daughter, Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley was born in Kalispell, Montana on October 23, 1994. She began her artistic path in ballet and later found her calling in acting and producing. Her notable roles include "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood," which also features Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie, "Fosse/Verdon," and the "Kenzo World" commercial.
Margaret Qualley attends the LoveGold party on January 12, 2013 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Her personal growth paralleled her professional development. Margaret's love for dance started at the North Carolina School of the Arts and continued through a summer program at the American Ballet Theatre.
Margaret Qualley attends the Max Mara and W Magazine cocktail party on June 11, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
"I was really hard on myself when I was in high school and modeling, and just trying hard to be perfect at everything, and be a perfect student, and a perfect model," she shared. However, she realized her drive for perfection stifled her passion.
Margaret Qualley on March 31, 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She shifted to New York, where she faced and overcame many challenges, including an eating disorder. Additionally, she became an advocate for body positivity.
Margaret Qualley attends the 76th Venice Film Festival on August 31, 2019 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
After years of molding herself into an image of what she thought she should be, Margaret found her true self - an authentic, goofy, and open person.
Margaret Qualley attends the 2011 L'Oreal Legends Gala on November 2, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Since then Margaret has learned to embrace her authentic self, shedding the idealized self-image she once strived for. This epiphany encouraged her to embrace life's joys and relinquish the pursuit of perfection that had long governed her. It also opened doors in her career, such as modeling for Chanel's couture show.
Margaret Qualley walks the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show on January 23, 2024 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Margaret has always dreamed of getting married and having children. On August 19, 2023, Margaret married musician Jack Antonoff, fulfilling her romantic dreams.
Margaret Qualley on March 5, 2024 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Her fans admire her work and often note her resemblance to her mother, praising her unique features. "The best part of Netflix’s 'Maid' is that Margaret Qualley always has good eyebrows," a fan once commented. "Margaret Qualley really is her mom’s mini-me," another fan observed.
Margaret Qualley attends the "Magic in the Moonlight" premiere in New York City July 17, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Son, Justin Qualley
Born on August 14, 1986, Justin Qualley may not be as well-known as his sisters. However, he holds a special place in the family as the firstborn. The son of a supermodel mother and a model father, Justin has always been a part of his family's glamour and fame, yet has chosen a more reserved path.
In 2022, he embraced fatherhood with the birth of his daughter Cozette, introducing a new generation to the family and giving his mother the new role of grandmother.
In June 2023, only months after becoming parents, Justin and his partner Nicolette solidified their bond through marriage. The couple celebrated their union in an intimate ceremony. His mother lovingly documented the event, her social media posts reflecting the family's happiness.
From Gaffney to Glamour
The Qualley siblings' resemblance to their mother is not just in their striking looks but also in their career choices. Like their mother, they have chosen to make their mark in the entertainment industry. However, unlike them, their mother, Rosalie Anderson MacDowell, had a difficult childhood.
Andie MacDowell during the 2024 TCA Winter Press Tour on February 6, 2024 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
She grew up in Gaffney, South Carolina, near where she raised her children. As a young girl, Andie as she is popularly known was tasked with caring for her alcoholic mother. Despite these hardships, she always felt loved. The actress also developed a deep sense of responsibility from a young age, a trait she carried into her own parenting.
Andie McDowell and her daughter Margaret Qualley on July 11, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Andie's career took off when she was discovered by a talent scout from Wilhelmina Models. Soon, she landed a contract with Elite Model Management and afterward, a flourishing acting career, highlighted by her acclaimed performances in the 1990s.
Andie McDowell in the film "Green Card" in April 1990 | Source: Getty Images
During a recent interview, Andie talked about her children's success and how she felt about them joining the entertainment industry. "I was honored because it meant that I didn’t do anything destructive to their lives," she expressed.
Rainey Qualley, Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley attend the "Dressed To Kilt" charity fashion show on March 30, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She saw their decision to follow in her footsteps as a validation of her parenting. Andie acknowledged the sacrifices she made as a working mother and the support she received from her children.
Margaret Qualley, Andie MacDowell and Rainey Qualley attend the "Dressed To Kilt" charity fashion show on March 30, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As a mother, Andie provided a supportive environment for her children. She gave them a normal upbringing, away from the industry's early pressures. This decision has allowed them to grow into accomplished individuals in their own right.