On April 21, 1958, Rosalie Anderson MacDowell, known professionally as Andie MacDowell, was born in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Andie MacDowell graduated from Gaffney High School in 1976.
Andie MacDowell's modeling career began in 1978 when she was spotted by a representative from Wilhelmina Models. She signed a contract with Elite Model Management in New York City and soon after, relocated to Paris for a year and a half to further pursue modeling opportunities.
Tragedy struck Andie MacDowell's life in 1981 when her mother, Pauline, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 53. This came after her mother achieving one year of sobriety.
Andie MacDowell made her film debut in 1984 with "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes." However, her Southern accent was deemed unsuitable for the role, leading to her lines being dubbed by Glenn Close.
In 1985, Andie MacDowell appeared in a supporting role as a doctor in the coming-of-age film "St. Elmo's Fire."
In 1986, Andie MacDowell began her long-standing partnership with L'Oréal, appearing in their print and television advertisements for cosmetic and haircare products.
Andie MacDowell's breakthrough role came in 1989 with Steven Soderbergh's independent film "Sex, Lies, and Videotape." Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award and a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, as well as a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Continuing her success, Andie MacDowell starred in the romantic comedy "Green Card" in 1990.
In 1992, Andie MacDowell starred in the adventure-romance film "Ruby Cairo."
Andie MacDowell's stardom was cemented in 1993 with her roles in two successful films. She starred in Harold Ramis's comedy "Groundhog Day," which became a critical and commercial hit. The same year, she showcased her acting range in Robert Altman's ensemble drama "Short Cuts."
Andie MacDowell gained international recognition in 1994 for her role in the British romantic comedy "Four Weddings and a Funeral," starring opposite Hugh Grant. The film's success further solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
1996 saw Andie MacDowell appear in two notable films: she starred opposite John Travolta in the comedy "Michael" and alongside Michael Keaton in the comedy "Multiplicity."
Andie MacDowell starred in the comedy "The Muse" in 1999.
Following her divorce from Paul Qualley, Andie MacDowell was in a year-long relationship with actor Dennis Quaid in 1999.
Andie MacDowell starred in the war drama "Harrison's Flowers" in 2000.
Andie MacDowell married businessman Rhett Hartzog, a former high school classmate, on November 10, 2001. The couple had reconnected through MacDowell's sister, Julia.
Andie MacDowell and Rhett Hartzog's marriage ended in divorce in October 2004.
Andie MacDowell took on a supporting role in the comedy "Beauty Shop" in 2005.
In 2011, Andie MacDowell appeared in the remake of the musical drama "Footloose."
In 2012, Andie MacDowell starred in the ABC Family series "Jane by Design," although the show was short-lived.
As of 2013, Andie MacDowell was residing in Marina del Rey, California.
From 2013 to 2015, Andie MacDowell starred in the Hallmark Channel family series "Cedar Cove," showcasing her versatility across different genres.
Andie MacDowell joined the cast of the comedy-drama sequel "Magic Mike XXL" in 2015.
Andie MacDowell's run on the Hallmark Channel series "Cedar Cove" concluded in 2015.
Andie MacDowell starred in the independent drama "Love After Love" in 2017.
Taking on a multifaceted role, Andie MacDowell both starred in and produced the Hallmark Hall of Fame film "The Beach House" in 2018. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, the film was based on the novel by Mary Alice Monroe.
Andie MacDowell starred in the horror comedy "Ready or Not" in 2019. The film, shot in a tight 26-day schedule, was both a critical and commercial success.
In January 2021, Andie MacDowell made a guest appearance as a fictionalized version of herself on an episode of the NBC sitcom "Mr. Mayor."
In 2021, Andie MacDowell starred alongside her daughter, Margaret Qualley, in the Netflix miniseries "Maid." Her performance earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Series, Miniseries, or Television Film.
In 2023, Andie MacDowell relocated to the coast of South Carolina.