Margaret Qualley says she finally found someone who makes her feel truly seen and safe, ending a pattern of lonely relationships she describes before meeting her husband, Jack Antonoff.
In a Fall 2025 cover story, the The Substance actress, 30, shared that prior relationships left her feeling unfulfilled until Jack came into her life. “In every other relationship I’ve ever been in, I still felt really lonely because I wasn’t with my person,” she said. “I don’t feel like that anymore. Jack makes me feel safe and comfortable.”
Qualley also opened up about shedding the “perfect girlfriend” mold she once tried to fit, emphasizing that she can’t pretend with Antonoff. “I spent so many years trying to be someone’s perfect girl, and that girl changed over and over again,” she shared. “But I can’t lie to Jack. I can’t be that for him — he’d see through it. So I just have to be myself. He’s been the person I’ve pictured my whole life. And I’m not even saying that metaphorically.”
The couple’s chemistry extends beyond daily life to a shared sense of humor and vibe. Qualley added that Antonoff resembles her first celebrity crush—Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore and Big Daddy—whom she’s been seeking in a partner for years. “That essence is Jack,” she said.
Qualley and Antonoff, a Grammy-winning producer, tied the knot in August 2023 in New Jersey, after a relationship that began during the tail end of the pandemic. The pair first connected at a party as COVID restrictions eased, sharing conversations and a string of walks through the city that summer. The pop-cultural moment for their romance also included one of the first public acknowledgments of their feelings, with Antonoff reportedly saying “I love you” first in the relationship.
Before they were a couple, Qualley dated actors Nat Wolff, Pete Davidson and Shia LaBeouf. Antonoff’s own dating history included Lena Dunham and model Carlotta Kohl. The couple’s bond has been described as grounded and enduring: Qualley says they’re always communicating, and she views him as her human diary.
Their public milestone moments include a high-profile debut as a couple at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards, and engagement chatter sparked at Cannes in 2022 when she was spotted wearing a ring. They later married in a ceremony attended by friends and fellow stars like Taylor Swift, Zoë Kravitz and Lana Del Rey.
Summary
Margaret Qualley’s most recent interview paints a portrait of a relationship built on honesty, comfort, and mutual understanding. After years of feeling lonely in prior partnerships, she found a partner in Jack Antonoff who makes her feel secure and true to herself. Their journey—from a late-pandemic meeting to a wedding in 2023 and a life philosophy centered on genuine connection—offers a hopeful narrative about finding “the one” and building a resilient, supportive partnership.
Positive angle
The piece reinforces a hopeful message about love: authenticity and emotional safety can transform relationships, helping two people align not just in romance but in life perspective and creative inspiration. Qualley’s openness about growing out of past personas toward a more genuine partnership may resonate with readers who value real connection over image.
Possible value adds
– A closer look at how public figures navigate “finding your person” while managing career demands and media attention.
– A note on how shared life stories (like walking tours and late-night conversations) can strengthen long-term partnerships.
– A brief spotlight on Antonoff’s background as a producer and how his creative collaboration with Qualley could influence her future film work.
Overall, the piece offers a feel-good, grounded look at a high-profile romance that centers on authenticity, safety, and mutual growth. If you’re crafting a feature, you could pair this with a sidebar on healthier relationship dynamics in celebrity culture and how couples leverage vulnerability to deepen trust.