DJ Qualls grew up in the small city of Manchester in the Middle Tennessee, one of five children. After studying at The University of London, he returned to Tennessee where he began acting in a local theatre. During that time, he was discovered by photographers David La Chappelle and Steve Klein, which led to modeling work for Prada, as well as other advertising campaigns. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Qualls is proud to be a cancer survivor and an advocate for cancer research and awareness.

Qualls made his feature film debut in Road Trip. Qualls is also seen in the black comedy thriller Cherry Falls, in which he co-stars with Jay Mohr, Brittany Murphy, and Gabriel Mann in a story of the killings of virgins in a small town high school. His earlier credits include the miniseries Mama Flora's Family, based on the book by Alex Haley, and "Against The Wall".
Booked his first lead, Kyle, in Road Trip, after auditioning for a one line part at an Altanta casting office. The director invited him to meet Ivan Reitman in his Beverly Hills office, where he was cast. Is a cancer survivor Worked for a law office in Nashville. Is a former model for such designers as Calvin Klein and Prada. Attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. A high school picture of Qualls can be found in the band room at Coffee County Central High, where he attended and was a member of the band.