Maggie Q: The Basics
Margaret Denise Quigley, professionally known as Maggie Q, is an American actress. She began her professional career in Hong Kong, with starring roles in the action films Gen-Y Cops and Naked Weapon, before appearing in the American productions Mission: Impossible III, Live Free or Die Hard, Priest and The Protégé.

Maggie Q was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father is of Irish and Polish descent and her mother is Vietnamese. Her parents met while her father was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She has four siblings, was raised Catholic and attends church.
Maggie Q: Beyond Divergent
Since her breakout role in the "Divergent" series, Maggie Q has navigated a diverse array of projects across both the big and small screens, solidifying her status as a versatile and talented actress. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, Maggie Q's career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive.

Following her portrayal of Tori Wu, the Dauntless faction member in the "Divergent" series, Maggie Q continued to showcase her prowess in action films. In 2014, she starred alongside Dylan McDermott in the television series "Stalker," where she played Lieutenant Beth Davis, head of the LAPD's Threat Assessment Unit. Her performance garnered praise for its intensity and depth, proving her ability to command the screen in a leading role.

In addition to her television work, Maggie Q has remained active in the world of cinema. She appeared in the action thriller "The Divergent Series: Allegiant" (2016), reprising her role as Tori Wu. While the film received mixed reviews, Maggie Q's presence brought depth to her character, contributing to the overall narrative of the series.

Expanding her horizons beyond the realm of action, Maggie Q delved into more diverse genres, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. In 2018, she starred in the romantic comedy "The Con Is On," alongside an ensemble cast including Uma Thurman and Tim Roth. Her comedic timing and charm added a refreshing dynamic to the film, showcasing her ability to tackle lighthearted roles with finesse.

Continuing to challenge herself creatively, Maggie Q ventured into the world of independent cinema with projects like "Slumber" (2017), a psychological horror film in which she played a sleep doctor tasked with unraveling a mysterious case of sleep paralysis. Her performance received acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of fear and vulnerability, highlighting her ability to excel in roles that demand emotional depth.

In recent years, Maggie Q has also made a notable impact in the realm of television, starring in the hit series "Designated Survivor" (2019-2020). She portrayed FBI Agent Hannah Wells, who investigates a conspiracy following a catastrophic attack on the U.S. government during the State of the Union address. Maggie Q's portrayal of the determined and resourceful agent captivated audiences, earning her praise for her compelling portrayal of a woman navigating complex political intrigue.

Looking ahead, Maggie Q shows no signs of slowing down, with several exciting projects on the horizon. From her upcoming role in the action thriller "The Asset" to her involvement in the environmental documentary "Countdown to Year Zero," she continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues in her career.
Maggie Q: Did you know?
  • Beyond her acting career, Maggie Q has also been a passionate advocate for environmental and animal rights causes. She is an outspoken supporter of organizations such as PETA and WildAid, using her platform to raise awareness about conservation efforts and animal welfare issues. Her commitment to activism reflects her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of entertainment.
  • When Maggie Q settled in Hong Kong to commence her acting career, she was tapped by none other than Jackie Chan, who saw in her a potential action star. The superstar’s intensive training taught Maggie the importance of professionalism and performing her own stunts.
  • As impressive as doing one’s own stunts sounds, it naturally comes with a lot of risks. That’s exactly what happened with Maggie Q, when she got struck by an explosive stunt that blew out her eardrum. In an earlier conversation with Maxim UK, she stated, “I’m also deaf in one ear where my eardrum was blown out in an explosive stunt.”
  • Maggie Q embarked on the path of veganism, giving up all animal products from her diet. The star is an active PETA ambassador, having led multiple campaigns in Asia promoting vegetarianism.
  • Maggie Q dropped her real name after settling in the city at the start of her movie career. This was because many locals couldn’t enunciate her surname ‘Quigley’ properly, leading to the birth of ‘Maggie Q’. Her stage name was reportedly taken from a Hong Kong newspaper and stuck with Asian audiences for its easier pronunciation.
  • Maggie Q has a number of unique inks on her body, many of which she has had to conceal for her roles. From a cross tattoo on her right forearm, a ‘Zulu Phrase’ tattoo and a phoenix tattoo on her left hip to Chinese characters and Tibetan script on her arms.
    • Coded by Serena Addams