Margaret Qualley Reflects on Early Career Fears: “Women Would Hate Me and Men Would Hurt Me”
Hollywood actress Margaret Qualley has opened up about the emotional insecurities that shadowed her early acting career, revealing that when she first broke into the industry, she feared judgment from peers and potential harm from men if she fully expressed herself. The comments come from a recent in‑depth interview she gave to Vanity Fair for the magazine’s March 2026 cover story.
At age 31, Qualley — known for notable roles in films such as Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and the 2024 body horror film The Substance — offered candid insight into her struggles with confidence as a young actor navigating a demanding industry.
Early Fears and the Pressure of Hollywood
Margaret Qualley began her acting journey as a teenager, making her film debut in 2013 with Palo Alto and gaining early recognition in television roles such as The Leftovers. Despite her rising profile, she admitted that her initial experience in Hollywood was overwhelming. “I started working so young, and when I first started acting, I was just overwhelmed,” Qualley told the outlet.
In those formative years, she said she felt apprehensive about being her authentic self. “I felt like if I was fully myself, women would hate me and men would hurt me,” she explained, acknowledging how those fears influenced her behavior and interactions within the industry.
Qualley said this anxiety stripped away some of the confidence and self‑expression typically associated with womanhood, pushing her to adapt her personality to fit perceived expectations instead of embracing her true identity.
Growth, Confidence and Embracing Identity
Over time, the actress said she has worked through much of that insecurity, gaining a stronger sense of self and learning to lean into her own strengths and femininity. Qualley credited her personal growth in part to her marriage to musician and producer Jack Antonoff, whom she wed in 2023.
“Jack has helped me for sure, because he has made me feel more confident to explore all the parts of myself,” she told Vanity Fair, adding that she’s also exploring spirituality, surrender and what she describes as the “divine feminine” as guiding principles in her life.
The couple, whose relationship began in 2021, have been open about the supportive role they play in each other’s lives. Qualley’s reflections suggest that finding stability and encouragement in her personal life has been a significant factor in her evolving self‑assurance.
Balancing Ambition and Self‑Discovery
Even as she’s gained confidence, Qualley said she remains highly driven and competitive, traits that have shaped both her successes and her challenges. She acknowledged taking on projects early in her career that she now views differently with the benefit of hindsight — not as regrets, but as learning experiences that she “wouldn’t do again.”
Despite those early fears, her career has flourished. Qualley has worked steadily in film and television, earning praise for her performances and developing a reputation for tackling diverse and emotionally demanding roles. Her upcoming slate includes starring roles in the comedy‑thriller How to Make a Killing, set for release on February 20, 2026, and in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars, scheduled for theatrical release on August 28, 2026.
A Broader Cultural Conversation
Qualley’s revelations come at a moment when discussions about vulnerability, confidence, and authenticity in Hollywood — particularly among women — are becoming more prominent. Her willingness to speak openly about fears of judgment from both women and men resonates with broader conversations about how female actors navigate public scrutiny, industry pressures and expectations tied to gender and public image.
Her story also highlights how emotional resilience and support systems — whether personal relationships or professional mentorship — can play a crucial role in artists’ development, offering a nuanced look at the person behind the performances.
Looking Ahead
As Qualley continues to expand her body of work, she appears poised to bring further depth and range to her roles while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. With a creative drive that balances ambition with self‑reflection, her evolving narrative on confidence and self‑identity adds a compelling dimension to her public persona — one that goes beyond Hollywood glamour to touch on the human experience behind the spotlight.
