Maggie Q, born as Margaret Denise Quigley on May 22, 1979, is an American actress and former fashion model. She gained recognition for her work in both film and television, particularly in action-oriented roles.

Maggie Q's career began in the late 1990s when she started modeling in Tokyo, Japan. She quickly gained success and appeared in various advertisements and magazines. However, she soon realized her true passion lay in acting and decided to pursue a career in Hollywood.

Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as the lead character, Nikita Mears, in the television series "Nikita." The show, which ran from 2010 to 2013, showcased Maggie Q's physicality and martial arts skills as she played a highly trained spy seeking revenge against a secret government agency. Her performance earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.

Prior to "Nikita," Maggie Q had already established herself in action films. She appeared alongside Tom Cruise in "Mission: Impossible III" (2006) as Zhen Lei, a skilled operative. She also starred in "Live Free or Die Hard" (2007) alongside Bruce Willis, where she portrayed a computer hacker assisting John McClane.

Maggie Q's other notable film credits include "Priest" (2011), "Divergent" (2014), "Insurgent" (2015), and "Allegiant" (2016), where she played Tori Wu, a member of the Dauntless faction. She also starred in "The King of Fighters" (2010) and "Fantasy Island" (2020).

In addition to her acting career, Maggie Q is a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. She is an outspoken supporter of organizations such as PETA and has actively campaigned against animal cruelty and the use of fur in the fashion industry.

Maggie Q's work in film and television, combined with her passion for activism, has made her a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the realm of social activism. Her talent, physicality, and commitment to her beliefs have solidified her status as a prominent Asian-American actress and an influential voice in the industry.