Paul Qualley is not a name you hear every day, but he has a very interesting life story. Many people know him because he was once married to actress Andie MacDowell, but there’s much more to him than just that. He was a model, an actor, and later became a rancher who chose a quiet life away from fame.
Even today in 2026, people are curious about him. They often search, “Where is Paul Qualley now?” or “What happened to Andie MacDowell’s ex-husband?” That’s why we’re here — to look at Paul Qualley’s full journey, step by step, in a very easy and simple way.
In this article, we will explore Paul’s early life, his modeling days, how he met Andie, their marriage, their family, and what he’s doing now. So let’s get started.
Paul Qualley’s Early Life
Paul Qualley was born on March 14, 1958, in New York City. That means he is 68 years old in 2026. He grew up in a normal home with kind and caring parents. His father’s name is Lee James Qualley, and his mother is Patricia Ann Rondou.
Paul’s family roots come from Norway, so he has Norwegian heritage. Even though he was born in a big city, he always liked calm places, nature, and open land. That love for quiet and peaceful life stayed with him even as he grew older.
As a child, Paul was active and loved sports. He worked hard and always pushed himself to do better. His energy and focus made him a star athlete in school, especially in football. This love for sports would later help him get a big chance in college.
Paul Qualley Was a Sports Star
Paul Qualley was really good at football in high school. Because of his talent, he won a football scholarship to California State University, Fullerton. That means the school helped pay for his education because he was such a great athlete.
He went to college in California, where he studied and played sports. Paul finished his studies and graduated in 1980. College helped him learn many important things like hard work, patience, and balance in life.
These lessons helped Paul later in both his modeling and ranching careers. Even though he loved football, he took a different path later on — a path that led him to the world of modeling and fashion.
How Paul Qualley Became a Model
After college, people around Paul noticed something special about him. He was tall — 6 feet 2 inches — and had a kind smile and strong features. Friends and family told him he should try modeling. And guess what? He did!
Paul started modeling in his 20s. Soon, he was working with big brands and traveling around the United States and Europe. His face appeared in ads, and he walked on fashion runways. He became known as a handsome and rising model.
One of his most famous modeling jobs was with the clothing brand GAP. That job became very important — not just for his career, but also for his personal life. Because during that job, he met someone very special: Andie MacDowell.
Paul Qualley’s Time in Acting and Music
While modeling opened many doors, Paul didn’t stop there. He also tried acting. In 2009, he acted in a science fiction movie called Moon Europa. He played a character named Clo. It was a small film, but it showed that Paul liked trying new things.
Paul also had a short time in music. In 1984, he released a song called “Please Please.” Not many people know about this, but some fans still remember it today. It was another way he expressed his creative side.
Even though he had chances in both acting and music, Paul later chose to step away. He didn’t want to live in the public eye forever. He wanted a quieter, simpler life — and that’s what he started working toward next.
How Paul Qualley Met Andie MacDowell
Paul met Andie MacDowell during one of his modeling jobs in the mid-1980s. They were both working on a GAP commercial. They were young, good-looking, and working hard. But something more than work happened that day — they connected.
People who saw them said they had great chemistry. They talked, laughed, and quickly became close. Soon after that, they started dating. Their relationship moved fast, and it felt like something out of a movie.
In 1986, Paul and Andie got married. Their love story made headlines at the time. People liked them as a couple — a handsome model and a rising Hollywood star. But behind the fame, they were just two people trying to build a happy life together.
Paul Qualley’s Marriage to Paul Qualley
After their wedding in 1986, Paul and Andie moved to a 3,000-acre ranch in Montana. It was a peaceful place, full of trees, animals, and quiet mornings. Paul loved this kind of life and even helped build their home with his own hands.
While Paul worked on the ranch, Andie traveled for movies. She became more famous, starring in films like Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. At the same time, Paul stayed close to home and focused on raising their children.
Their life was not perfect, but they tried to make it work. Andie later shared that living far from family made her feel alone. She didn’t want to grow old in a quiet place without her loved ones nearby. This feeling slowly created distance between them.
Meet Paul Qualley’s Children
Paul and Andie have three children, and each one is unique. Their oldest child is Justin Qualley, born in 1986. He lives a quiet life and works in real estate in Montana. Justin doesn’t like being in the spotlight, just like his father. In 2022, he became a father and made Paul a proud grandfather.
Next is Rainey Qualley, born in 1990. She’s an actress and singer. She performs under the name Rainsford. Her music is soft and creative, and she’s also acted in a few movies. In recent years, she welcomed a child of her own.
Last is Margaret Qualley, born in 1994. She’s the most famous of the three. Margaret started with ballet, then became a model, and now she’s a successful actress. People know her from The Leftovers, Maid, and more. In 2023, she married music producer Jack Antonoff.
Paul Qualley and Andie’s Divorce Story
After 13 years of marriage, Paul and Andie divorced in 1999. They went their separate ways but always remained connected because of their children. Andie moved with the kids to North Carolina, while Paul stayed closer to the land he loved.
Even though they split, they didn’t fight in public. They focused on being good parents. Over the years, they were often seen together at special family events, showing that their bond as parents stayed strong.
One sweet example is when Paul attended Margaret’s wedding in 2023. He was there with a smile, happy for his daughter. Even after their divorce, Paul and Andie continued to show respect for each other.
Where Is Paul Qualley Now?
Today in 2026, Paul Qualley lives in Missoula, Montana. He runs a large family ranch, works as a contractor, and helps in real estate projects. He enjoys working with his hands, building things, and spending time in nature.
After his divorce, Paul even lived in Panama for a short time. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret asked him to come back to the U.S. He returned, and they all became closer as a family again.
Paul is not active on social media. He doesn’t like interviews. He just wants a quiet life with his family, his ranch, and the peaceful Montana landscape. That’s the life he chose — and the life he truly enjoys.
Paul’s Special Moments with His Children
Paul may not live in Hollywood, but he is always there for his kids. When Margaret was filming a movie, Paul stayed in the hotel room next door. He just wanted to be close and support her during long shooting days.
In January 2025, Margaret went to the Golden Globe Awards, but her husband Jack was sick. So Paul stepped in as her date. He wore a black suit and a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood shirt — a sweet nod to Margaret’s first big movie role.
On the red carpet, Paul smiled proudly. He told reporters, “I’ve always been proud of her. Ever since she was tiny.” It was a special moment that showed how close they still are.
Paul Qualley’s Net Worth
Paul Qualley doesn’t talk about money in public. But reports say his net worth is between $100,000 and $1 million. That number may sound small compared to Hollywood stars, but Paul never chased fame or riches.
Most of his money came from modeling in the past. He also made a bit from acting and music. Now, his income comes from ranching, contracting, and real estate work in Montana.
His ex-wife, Andie MacDowell, is worth much more because she stayed in the film industry. But Paul’s wealth is measured more in peace, family love, and a simple, honest life.
Final Thoughts
Paul Qualley may have started his journey in fashion and film, but he later chose a simple life far away from flashing lights and movie sets. Today, he enjoys fresh air, open skies, and close time with his children and grandchildren.
He shows us that it’s okay to leave the spotlight. You can live a happy life without fame. What matters most is finding peace, doing meaningful work, and staying close to the people you love.
So, where is Paul Qualley today? He’s right where he wants to be — living quietly, working on his ranch, and being a proud dad and granddad in Montana.
(FAQs)
How old is Paul Qualley?
Paul Qualley was born on March 14, 1958. He is 68 years old as of 2026.
Where is Paul Qualley now in 2026?
Paul Qualley lives a quiet life on a ranch in Missoula, Montana. He works as a rancher, contractor, and real estate worker. He enjoys a calm and peaceful lifestyle.
Is Paul Qualley on social media?
No, Paul Qualley does not use social media. He likes to stay private and away from public attention.
Was Paul Qualley married to Andie MacDowell?
Yes, Paul Qualley was married to actress Andie MacDowell from 1986 to 1999. They met during a GAP modeling job.
Does Paul Qualley have children?
Yes, Paul Qualley has three children: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley. Margaret and Rainey are both actresses, and Justin works in real estate.
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