The Story of Paul Qualley: Model, Rancher, and Andie MacDowell’s Ex-Husband

Have you ever wondered what happened to Paul Qualley, the quiet man behind one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses, Andie MacDowell?

Most people know Paul as Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband. But there’s more to his story than just being a celebrity’s partner. He was a successful model in the 1980s, turned rancher, and a proud father to three grown-up kids — including actress Margaret Qualley, who is now a rising star.

In this article, we’ll explore Paul’s life — from modeling days and Hollywood love to his peaceful ranch life today. Let’s begin!

Paul Qualley Quick Bio

Paul Qualley’s Early Life and Background

Paul James Qualley was born on March 14, 1958, in New York City, USA. He grew up in a family with Norwegian roots, and his parents were Lee James Qualley and Patricia Ann Rondou. He had a simple upbringing and spent his early years outside of the spotlight.

Paul was a bright and athletic student. He loved sports and even earned a football scholarship to attend California State University, Fullerton. There, he worked hard and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1980. At the time, no one knew he’d one day become a model or be part of a famous Hollywood family.

His early life was not flashy. He wasn’t chasing fame. Instead, Paul’s journey began with quiet determination — something that would stay with him even when the cameras started rolling later.

How Paul Qualley Started His Modeling Career

Paul Qualley didn’t plan to be a model. But with his tall height (6’2″), blue eyes, and calm charm, he was a natural fit. Friends and family encouraged him to give modeling a try — and it worked.

In his 20s and 30s, Paul landed jobs with big brands and even traveled across the United States and Europe. He became a familiar face in fashion ads and on runways. One of his most well-known jobs was modeling for GAP, which later changed his life in a big way.

Even though he enjoyed success, Paul didn’t let it get to his head. He stayed grounded. Modeling brought him attention, but he always seemed more interested in real life than red carpets.

Meeting Andie MacDowell

Paul met Andie MacDowell in the mid-1980s while they were both working on a GAP commercial. It was one of those magical meetings that changed everything. Andie was just beginning her acting journey, and Paul was already well into modeling.

Their connection was instant. They started dating and soon fell in love. In 1986, the couple got married. It wasn’t a big Hollywood wedding — just a sweet beginning for a love story that would last over a decade.

Paul and Andie seemed like the perfect match. While Andie chased her dreams in acting, Paul supported her, stood by her side, and helped raise their growing family.

Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell’s Life Together

After getting married, Paul and Andie moved to a beautiful ranch in Montana. Far from the noise of Hollywood, they built a peaceful home. Paul loved ranch life — nature, animals, and space to breathe. Andie, too, enjoyed the calm when she wasn’t filming.

Later, when Andie turned 40, they moved again — this time to Asheville, North Carolina, where Andie’s sister lived. She once said in an interview, “I didn’t want to grow older in the middle of nowhere among people who weren’t my family.”

During their 13-year marriage, Paul and Andie focused on raising their children and building a balanced life. He stayed back on the ranch while she traveled for movies. They made it work, for a long time, with love and teamwork.

Paul Qualley as a Father

Paul and Andie had three children together — a son named Justin Qualley (born in 1986), and two daughters, Rainey (born in 1990) and Margaret (born in 1994). Paul loved being a father. While Andie’s career grew, he spent more time at home with the kids.

Their children were raised mostly away from Hollywood — on the ranch, with horses, nature, and simplicity. Paul taught them about hard work, real life, and family values. Even though the girls later stepped into the spotlight, their early life was calm and full of love.

Paul’s bond with his daughters is especially strong. Margaret Qualley, now a Golden Globe-nominated actress, often talks about her deep love and respect for her dad. He wasn’t the loud or flashy type — just quietly supportive, always there.

Life After Divorce

In 1999, after 13 years of marriage, Paul and Andie decided to go their separate ways. It wasn’t a big scandal. There were no loud headlines. Just a quiet, respectful ending to a long relationship.

After the divorce, Paul stepped away from the spotlight almost completely. He focused on ranching, real estate, and living a peaceful life in Montana. While Andie remarried for a short time (to businessman Rhett Hartzog), Paul stayed single and kept his life very private.

For Paul, life after fame seemed like a return home. No cameras. No pressure. Just open skies, hard work, and staying close to the people he loves.

What Paul Qualley Does Today

Today, Paul Qualley lives a quiet and peaceful life in Missoula, Montana. He stays away from the media and doesn’t chase fame. Instead, he focuses on running a large family ranch, where he works with animals, land, and nature every day.

Besides ranching, Paul also works as a contractor and sometimes in real estate. He likes building things, managing land, and doing work that feels real and useful. He enjoys being outside, surrounded by mountains and calm.

Even though Paul was once a model in big cities, he now enjoys the simple life. No red carpets. No headlines. Just hard work and a calm routine — the kind of life he always seemed to prefer.

Paul Qualley’s Relationship With His Children Today

Paul may live far from Hollywood, but he still stays close to his children. He shares a strong bond with all three of them, especially with Margaret Qualley, who often talks about how much she admires him.

In 2025, Paul made a rare public appearance when he walked the Golden Globes red carpet with Margaret. Her husband, Jack Antonoff, was sick that day, so Paul stepped in as her date. He wore a black suit over a t-shirt from Margaret’s movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It was a sweet, proud dad moment.

Paul also attended Margaret’s wedding to Jack Antonoff in August 2023, along with Andie MacDowell. It was a big event with many celebrities. But for Paul, it was just about being there for his daughter — quietly, supportively, and with love.

Margaret Qualley’s Bond With Her Dad

Margaret Qualley is now one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. She’s known for her roles in The Leftovers, Fosse/Verdon, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Maid — where she acted alongside her real-life mom, Andie MacDowell.

Even with all the fame, Margaret has kept a soft spot for her dad, Paul Qualley. She often shares stories about growing up in Montana, riding horses, and having a “normal” childhood away from the Hollywood lights.

One touching story? Margaret once watched The Parent Trap over and over as a kid, hoping her real-life parents — Paul and Andie — might get back together. That shows just how much Paul meant to her and how deeply she cared about her family staying close.

Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell’s Life After Divorce

Though Paul Qualley and Andie MacDowell divorced in 1999, they’ve stayed respectful and supportive of each other — especially as co-parents. They were seen together again at Margaret’s wedding, smiling and united for their daughter’s big day.

Andie remarried for a short time after the divorce but is now single. She raised their kids mostly in North Carolina and always said that being a mother was the most important thing in her life.

Even though they live different lives now, Paul and Andie share a lasting connection through their children and grandchildren. They may not be a couple anymore, but they are still a family in many ways.

Paul Qualley’s Net Worth, Career Shifts, and Public Appearances

Paul Qualley is not a millionaire celebrity, but he has built a good life. His estimated net worth is around $100,000, mostly from ranching, contracting, and past modeling work.

He left modeling behind years ago, but he once had a strong career in fashion. He also acted in a small film called Moon Europa in 2009 and even released a song titled Please Please in the 1980s.

These days, Paul rarely makes public appearances. But when he does — like the 2025 Golden Globes or family events — people notice. Not because he’s loud, but because his quiet strength always shines through.

Interesting Facts About Paul Qualley

Here are some fun and surprising things about Paul Qualley that many people don’t know:

• After his divorce, he moved to Panama for a few years to live in peace.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret convinced him to move back to the U.S.

• He once built his own ranch house with his own hands.

• Paul supports his kids’ careers, even visiting movie sets just to be nearby.

• He became a grandfather in 2022, when his son Justin and his partner Nicolette welcomed a baby girl named Cozette.

Even though he lives quietly, Paul has stayed deeply connected to his family. He may not be famous anymore, but he is loved — and that’s what really matters.

Final Thoughts

Paul Qualley’s story is not flashy. It’s not full of drama. But that’s what makes it special.

He was a model. He married a movie star. He stepped back from fame to raise his children and live a simple life. In a world full of noise, Paul chose quiet.

He is Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband, yes. But he is also a father, a rancher, a builder, and a kind soul who lets his actions speak louder than words.

People are still curious about Paul Qualley because he shows that there is beauty in living simply, loving deeply, and staying true to yourself.

(FAQs)

Did Paul Qualley ever act in movies?

Yes, shockingly, Paul Qualley starred in a 2009 sci-fi film called Moon Europa. Most people only know him as a model or rancher!

What is Paul Qualley’s net worth in 2025?

Paul Qualley’s estimated net worth is around $100,000 in 2025 — a surprising fact, considering his past modeling fame and Hollywood ties.

How tall is Paul Qualley?

Paul Qualley is 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm). His height helped launch his early modeling career.

How many kids does Paul Qualley have?

Paul has three children with Andie MacDowell — Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley. Both daughters became actresses, while his son works in real estate.

Where is Paul Qualley now in 2025 — and is he remarried?

Paul lives quietly on a ranch in Missoula, Montana. As of 2025, he has not remarried and lives a private, peaceful life away from Hollywood.