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Andie MacDowell: From 'Groundhog Day' to Hollywood Icon
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Andie MacDowell, born Rosalie Anderson MacDowell on April 21, 1958, is an American actress and former model known for her roles in popular films such as "Groundhog Day" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral." With a career spanning over four decades, MacDowell has established herself as a versatile performer in both film and television.

 

Andie MacDowell's Early Life and Background

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Andie MacDowell was born Rosalie Anderson MacDowell on April 21, 1958, in Gaffney, South Carolina
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Her parents were Pauline Johnston, a music teacher, and Marion St. Pierre MacDowell, a lumber executive
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MacDowell's childhood was marked by challenges, including her mother's struggle with alcoholism and her parents' divorce when she was six years old
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  • Grew up with three older sisters: Babs, Julia, and Beverly
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  • Family owned an Antebellum period summer house in Arden, North Carolina
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  • Attended Winthrop University for two years before briefly moving to Columbia, South Carolina
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  • Worked part-time jobs, including as a waitress, to save money for her move to New York City
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These early experiences shaped MacDowell's resilience and determination, which would later prove valuable in her modeling and acting careers
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Her southern upbringing also influenced her distinctive accent, which would become both a challenge and a trademark in her early acting roles
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Modeling Career with Calvin Klein

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Andie MacDowell's modeling career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with Calvin Klein playing a pivotal role in her rise to prominence. After being discovered by a modeling scout in Los Angeles, MacDowell signed with Elite Model Management in 1978
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Her work with Calvin Klein, particularly in advertising campaigns, garnered significant attention and helped launch her acting career
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  • MacDowell appeared in high-profile Calvin Klein commercials and print ads
  • Her work for Calvin Klein included billboards in Times Square
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  • The exposure from these campaigns led to her 1984 film debut in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes"
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  • MacDowell's success with Calvin Klein established her as a sought-after model for other major brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Armani
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MacDowell's Breakthrough Role in 'Sex

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Andie MacDowell's breakthrough role came in Steven Soderbergh's 1989 independent film "Sex, Lies, and Videotape." Her portrayal of Ann, a repressed married woman, earned critical acclaim and launched her career in Hollywood
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The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and MacDowell's performance garnered her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead and a Golden Globe nomination
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This pivotal role transformed MacDowell's career trajectory, elevating her from a struggling actress to a sought-after talent. She reflected on the impact, stating, "Before 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape', nobody took me seriously... After, I became a well-known actress and people perceived me as an actress, finally"
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The success of the film opened doors for MacDowell, leading to a string of high-profile roles in the 1990s and establishing her as a leading lady in romantic comedies and dramas
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Andie MacDowell (Photos)

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Andie's Notable Film Performances

Andie MacDowell has had a prolific career in film spanning several decades. Here's a selection of her most notable movie appearances:
YearFilmRole
1984Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the ApesJane Porter
1989Sex, Lies, and VideotapeAnn Bishop Mullany
1990Green CardBrontë Mitchell
1993Groundhog DayRita
1994Four Weddings and a FuneralCarrie
1996MichaelDorothy Winters
2011FootlooseVi Moore
2015Magic Mike XXLNancy
2019Ready or NotBecky Le Domas
MacDowell's versatility as an actress is evident in her diverse filmography, ranging from romantic comedies to dramas and even horror-comedies. Her performances in "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," "Groundhog Day," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral" were particularly acclaimed, earning her Golden Globe nominations
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In recent years, she has continued to take on challenging roles in both independent films and mainstream productions
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Andie's Awards and Accolades

Andie MacDowell has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to film and television. Here's a summary of some of her most significant accolades:
AwardCategoryWorkResult
Independent Spirit AwardBest Female LeadSex, Lies, and VideotapeWon
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Golden GlobeBest Actress - Motion Picture DramaSex, Lies, and VideotapeNominated
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Golden GlobeBest Actress - Motion Picture Musical or ComedyGreen CardNominated
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Golden GlobeBest Actress - Motion Picture Musical or ComedyFour Weddings and a FuneralNominated
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César d'HonneurBody of Work-Won
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Saturn AwardBest ActressGroundhog DayWon
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Golden GlobeBest Supporting Actress - TelevisionMaidNominated
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MacDowell has also been honored with the Taormina Arte Award for Cinematic Excellence
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and the Golden Kamera Award from Germany's Horzu Publications
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Her performances in ensemble films like "Short Cuts" earned her and her co-stars special recognition, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Ensemble and a Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival
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Andie MacDowell Interviews (Videos)

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Andie MacDowell talks 'The Way Home,' 'Groundhog Day' - YouTube
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Andie MacDowell's Personal Life and Relationships

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Andie MacDowell's personal life has been marked by two marriages and motherhood. She was first married to Paul Qualley, a fellow model, from 1986 to 1999
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The couple had three children together: Justin (born 1986), Rainey (born 1990), and Margaret (born 1995)
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Her daughters Rainey and Margaret have followed in their mother's footsteps, pursuing careers in acting and entertainment
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After her divorce from Qualley, MacDowell briefly dated actor Dennis Quaid before marrying her high school classmate, businessman Rhett Hartzog, in 2001
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This marriage ended in divorce in 2004
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MacDowell has since focused on her career and family, dividing her time between homes in Marina del Rey, California, and a ranch in Montana
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She is known for her love of the outdoors and hiking, embracing her natural beauty by letting her hair go gray in recent years
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