Actor Margaret Qualley discusses her personal struggle with mental health throughout her career.
In the world of Hollywood, Margaret Qualley has made a significant impact since her acting debut in 2011. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, one of which was in the critically acclaimed 2024 horror film, The Substance.
The film, which received several accolades including an Oscar, Golden Globe, and two BAFTAs, was a transformative experience for Qualley. Her character in the movie, an idyllic, youthful fembot, helped her confront generations of trauma in her family.
However, the role was not an easy one for Qualley. She admitted that her character was not a good touchstone for what femininity is, as it was quite masculine in many ways. This disconnect between her character and personal identity was something that Qualley pondered, stating that no one thinks of themselves like that.
Growing up as a woman, Qualley questions how much of her identity is truly her own. She believes that her identity is also shaped by societal pressure and expectation. This introspection is something that Qualley has been grappling with for a long time. In her early 20s, she suffered from severe insomnia, often staying awake until 9 in the morning.
However, Qualley has found solace in meditation. She now meditates twice a day, a practice that has helped her find peace and clarity. This self-reflection has been a constant in Qualley's life. She has been in therapy since she was 16 years old, a testament to her commitment to understanding herself better.
Despite the challenges, Qualley has remained resilient. The premiere of The Nice Guys in 2016 was a memorable one, but for unexpected reasons. Qualley did not attend the event because she hadn't slept in four days. This incident, however, did not deter her from her passion for acting.
Before The Substance, Qualley starred in the film The Maid. Her performance in The Substance, however, earned her critical acclaim and solidified her place in the Hollywood industry. The film was likened to entering the eye of the storm for Qualley, a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Looking back, Qualley feels deeply connected to the version of herself she was as a child. She reflects on her acting debut with a sense of nostalgia, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of cinema.
