ACTOR · BORN 1958
Michelle Pfeiffer
- Born
- 29 April 1958, Santa Ana, California, USA
- Known for
- Avengers: Endgame (2019), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Scarface (1983), The Simpsons (1989)
94 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (94)
- #001
Michelle Pfeiffer sang her own songs in several films throughout her career, including Grease 2 (1982), The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), the 1998 animated film The Prince of Egypt and 2007's Hairspray. Her rendition of 'My Funny Valentine' in The Fabulous Baker Boys is remembered as an unforgettable performance that showcased her musical talent. These vocal performances proved her ability not only as an actress but also as a singer.
- #002
A mishap occurred while Michelle Pfeiffer was auditioning for Scarface (1983): a piece of broken glass injured the film's star, Al Pacino. Although the incident heightened the tension of the audition process, it did not affect Pfeiffer's performance, and she went on to win the role. The accident is recounted as a curious anecdote about the film that became one of the turning points of her career.
- #003
Beyond acting, Michelle Pfeiffer is a serious oil painter. She has pursued the art for much of her life and has made painting a passion, using it as a way to express herself in the time left over from intense film shoots. This side of her reflects her wide-ranging interest in art and her creativity.
- #004
Michelle Pfeiffer shared an unusual experience with the iconic Catwoman costume from Batman Returns (1992) on the A&E Biography program. Once she was fitted into the costume for scenes, it was sealed with a vacuum, which restricted her movement. She therefore had to complete her performance quickly, or she could become dizzy and faint. These difficult conditions show how much she sacrificed for the role.
- #005
In a scientific study to determine the perfect proportions of the female face, researchers measured the ratio of mouth width to nose width and found the ideal ratio to be about 1.7. According to the study, the film star with the most perfect proportions of feminine beauty was Michelle Pfeiffer. The result was taken as scientific confirmation of her symmetrical and aesthetic facial features.
- #006
In her twenties, Michelle Pfeiffer was often mistaken for Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry; strangers would approach her thinking she was Harry. The resemblance was so striking that Debbie Harry said in an interview that if a film were made about her life, she would choose Michelle Pfeiffer to play her. The episode shows how closely Pfeiffer's image and style at the time matched Debbie Harry's.
- #007
Michelle Pfeiffer won the Miss Orange County beauty pageant in 1978, bringing her name to public attention. The victory was an important step on the path to her acting career, opening doors in the industry, and she soon began receiving acting offers. The experience reinforced both her physical beauty and her confidence in front of an audience.
- #008
Michelle Pfeiffer first considered finding a prospective father 'with no strings attached' in order to have a child, but she later decided to adopt. In 1993 she adopted a daughter named Claudia Rose. That same year she married screenwriter David E. Kelley, and in 1994 the couple had a son named John Henry. Pfeiffer's decision to adopt reflects her different and thoughtful approach to building a family.
- #009
Michelle Pfeiffer was a serious contender for the role of 'Maria' in The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990), and Brian De Palma, who had directed her in Scarface, wanted to work with her again. Pfeiffer, however, chose to appear in another literary adaptation, The Russia House. Melanie Griffith took the role and was nominated for a Razzie for Worst Actress for her performance, while Pfeiffer earned a Golden Globe nomination for The Russia House. The decision was an important turning point in her career.
- #010
Michelle Pfeiffer's name has resonated widely enough in popular culture to be mentioned in songs. She is named in Vance Joy's 'Riptide' and in 'Uptown Funk' by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson. These songs demonstrate her status as an icon and her influence in the music world; being name-checked in a worldwide hit like 'Uptown Funk' is evidence of her cultural impact.
- #011
Between 1990 and 2000, Michelle Pfeiffer founded her own production company, Via Rosa Productions, and began developing numerous projects. These included biographical films about singer Marianne Faithfull and artist Georgia O'Keeffe, a sci-fi/alien abduction drama, the story of a women's basketball coach, and a project titled 'Privacy' in which she would play a tabloid journalist. A film about the Rosewood Education Center, which tells the story of a gang that helps disabled children in Los Angeles, was also planned. The venture shows that she was ambitious not only in acting but also in producing.
- #012
Michelle Pfeiffer replaced Annette Bening as Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992) after Bening had to leave the project because of her pregnancy. Taking on the role led Pfeiffer to portray one of the most iconic characters of her career. Her Catwoman performance won great praise from both critics and audiences and cemented her place in cinema history.
- #013
The famous television host Barbara Walters described Michelle Pfeiffer and Julia Roberts as the most beautiful people she had ever interviewed. The praise shows that Pfeiffer's beauty was appreciated not only by the public but also by media professionals. Walters's comment is evidence that Pfeiffer was perceived as one of the most striking beauties in Hollywood.
- #014
Throughout her career, Michelle Pfeiffer worked with many famous names and had close relationships with some of them, among them the actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer wrote poems for Pfeiffer. The romantic gesture shows the special bond between them, and Pfeiffer's beauty and talent made her a source of inspiration for many.
- #015
Michelle Pfeiffer says she never watches her completed films. The habit reflects her critical approach to her own performances and her perfectionist personality. Avoiding watching her own acting shows how seriously and devotedly she approaches her work, and the attitude can be read as a sign of her respect for her art.
- #016
Shortly after arriving in Hollywood, Michelle Pfeiffer encountered a cult called 'Breatharianism', whose belief holds that people can live on air and sunlight alone, without food or water. Pfeiffer realized the idea was false thanks to her first husband, Peter Horton. Horton was working on a documentary about Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church, and Pfeiffer saw that the psychological manipulation described by former Moon members resembled her Breatharianism experience, so she left the cult. The experience was an important turning point in her life.
- #017
Michelle Pfeiffer was the first choice for the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Her asking fee, however, was too high for Orion Pictures, so she did not get the part. The role ultimately went to Jodie Foster, who won an Oscar for the performance. Pfeiffer's loss of the role is seen as one of the biggest missed opportunities of her career.
- #018
On 8 August 2007, Michelle Pfeiffer received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, immortalizing her place in cinema history. The honor is regarded as a tribute to her contributions to the industry and to her career. The star ceremony took place with fans and colleagues in attendance and was an emotional moment celebrating Pfeiffer's achievements.
- #019
Michelle Pfeiffer's family consists of her adopted daughter Claudia Rose (born 1993) and her son John Henry (born 1994) with her husband David E. Kelley. John Henry was named after David's father. Pfeiffer has lived a happy life with the family she built through both adoption and having a biological child. This family structure reflects the balance and love in her life.
- #020
Michelle Pfeiffer's first performance experience was playing the Alice in Wonderland character in the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland in the mid-1970s. The job was her first step into the entertainment industry and sparked her interest in acting. This Disneyland experience laid the foundation for the success she would later achieve in Hollywood.
- #021
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down two major roles that went to Sharon Stone. She rejected the role of Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct (1992) because it involved nudity. She declined the role of Ginger McKenna in Casino (1995) because she had played a similar character in Scarface. These decisions point to her acting principles and her selectivity in shaping her career.
- #022
While working as a cashier at a Vons supermarket in Southern California in her youth, Michelle Pfeiffer learned to tie maraschino cherry stems into knots with her tongue. This ordinary job shows the modest beginnings of her life. The skill later became an amusing anecdote she would tell about her years in the entertainment industry.
- #023
One of Michelle Pfeiffer's favorite films is the classic The Wizard of Oz (1939). The film is a masterpiece she has admired since childhood. Pfeiffer has said that the film's magic and fairy-tale storytelling have always affected her. This choice shows her passion for cinema and her respect for classic films.
- #024
Michelle Pfeiffer appeared on the 1990 cover of People magazine's first-ever '50 Most Beautiful People in the World' issue. She set a record by appearing on the list a total of six times (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999) and also became the first person to appear twice on the cover of this special issue (1990 and 1999). This achievement proved the continuity of her beauty and popularity over the years.
- #025
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role of Catherine Tramell, played by Sharon Stone, in Basic Instinct (1992). The role included sexually explicit scenes, and Pfeiffer did not want to appear in such scenes. This decision shows her clear stance on what kinds of projects she wanted to take part in during her acting career. Sharon Stone, who took on the role, broke through with this performance.
- #026
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role played by Ashley Judd in Double Jeopardy (1999). Behind this decision lay Pfeiffer's project choices and personal preferences at the time. Ashley Judd, who took on the role, achieved great success with the film, and the production performed well at the box office. Pfeiffer's rejection of this role can be seen as an indication of a different direction in her career.
- #027
Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts, in Pretty Woman (1990), but she turned it down because she did not like the 'tone' of the script. The role became a turning point in Julia Roberts's career and made her a star. Pfeiffer's decision shows her meticulousness in choosing scripts and her desire to move toward different projects.
- #028
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role of the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005). She was the only major Hollywood star to whom the role was offered. Pfeiffer's refusal shows her distant approach to the fantasy genre and big-budget box-office films. Tilda Swinton ultimately took on the role and won great acclaim for her performance.
- #029
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Eva Perón in Evita (1996) and even took several months of vocal training for the part while the film was to be directed by Oliver Stone. However, the project was reshaped after Stone left, and the role ultimately went to Madonna. The preparation Pfeiffer put in for this role shows how seriously she approached such ambitious projects.
- #030
When Michelle Pfeiffer met her future husband David E. Kelley, she was already in the process of adopting a child. Just two months after they got together, the couple adopted Claudia Rose. This quick decision shows how strong Pfeiffer's desire for motherhood was and the harmony between her and Kelley. This event reveals the shared values that formed the foundation of their relationship.
- #031
Michelle Pfeiffer was one of the names considered for the lead role in Mamma Mia! (2008). However, the role ultimately went to Meryl Streep. Streep's performance drove the film to great success and won the admiration of audiences who love musicals. Pfeiffer's missing out on this role is remembered as another 'missed opportunity' in her career.
- #032
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the lead role in Still Alice (2014). Julianne Moore, who took on the role, played a professor with Alzheimer's disease and won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Pfeiffer's refusal is seen as an important decision in her career; however, Moore's success proved how strong the role was.
- #033
Michelle Pfeiffer was to star in a project titled 'Mistress of the Seas,' to be directed by Paul Verhoeven and produced by Jon Peters. The film focused on the true story of two female pirates, Anne Bonney and Mary Read, who sailed the Caribbean in the 18th century with a pirate named Calico Jack. Pfeiffer and Geena Davis were planned to share the lead roles, but the project fell apart when Davis signed on for her own pirate film, Cutthroat Island (1995). Pfeiffer withdrew from the project after her meetings with Verhoeven, and the film was never made.
- #034
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Stacy Hamilton in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). The role ultimately went to Jennifer Jason Leigh. Leigh's performance became one of the unforgettable ones in the teen comedy genre. Pfeiffer's missing out on this role shows her choices early in her career and the competition at the time.
- #035
In 1995, Empire magazine published its list of the sexiest movie stars of all time. Michelle Pfeiffer ranked third on the list. Johnny Depp was first and Marilyn Monroe second. This ranking shows Pfeiffer's appeal to both male and female audiences and her iconic place in cinema history.
- #036
In a 1999 interview with Premiere Magazine, Michelle Pfeiffer named Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt among the people she wanted to work with. This statement shows her admiration for the talented colleagues she wanted to collaborate with in her acting career. Pfeiffer's choices reflect her artistic vision and the importance she places on quality.
- #037
In 1998, Michelle Pfeiffer joined the '12 Million Dollar Club' along with Meg Ryan and Jodie Foster. The club referred to actresses who were paid 12 million dollars for a film and had dropped Demi Moore from the list. However, Pfeiffer was able to command this fee for only one film. This situation shows her financial success in her career and her standing in the industry.
- #038
After about 20 years, Michelle Pfeiffer reunited with two former directors. Garry Marshall had directed her in Frankie and Johnny (1991) and now directed her in New Year's Eve (2011). Tim Burton had directed her in Batman Returns (1992), and they came together again for Dark Shadows (2012). These reunions show Pfeiffer's lasting relationships in the industry and her strong bonds with directors.
- #039
Over the course of her career, Michelle Pfeiffer worked with four different live-action Batman actors. She first appeared alongside Michael Keaton in Batman Returns (1992). She then worked with Val Kilmer on One Too Many (1985) and The Prince of Egypt (1998). She shared the screen with George Clooney in One Fine Day (1996) and with Christian Bale in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999). This variety shows that she had the opportunity to work with some of Hollywood's most important male actors.
- #040
Michelle Pfeiffer's surname is pronounced 'Fye-fur' and means 'Piper' in German, pointing to her German roots. Because many people mispronounce her surname, Pfeiffer has often had to correct them. This detail sheds light on her family background and cultural heritage.
- #041
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Vicki Vale in Batman (1989), but she was dating Michael Keaton at the time and Keaton felt it would not be right for them to work together, so Pfeiffer turned the role down. She later played Catwoman in the sequel Batman Returns (1992). The decision is a striking example of how her personal relationships affected her career.
- #042
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Virginia Hill in Bugsy (1991), which ultimately went to Annette Bening. Bening was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the performance. Pfeiffer's loss of the part is regarded as another missed opportunity in her career.
- #043
Michelle Pfeiffer met her future husband David E. Kelley on a blind date at the 'Chez Jay' restaurant and bar in Santa Monica. Years later, the venue would be used in Kelley's TV series Goliath (2016). The coincidence made the spot a symbol of an important place in the couple's life, and their meeting story captures the romantic, unusual moment at the start of their relationship.
- #044
Michelle Pfeiffer's family tree includes a mix of European origins. Her paternal grandfather was of German descent, while her paternal grandmother had German, English, Welsh, French, Dutch and Irish ancestry. On her mother's side she is half Swiss-German and half Swedish. This multicultural heritage is reflected in her physical features and identity.
- #045
Michelle Pfeiffer is the older sister of two sisters, Lori Pfeiffer and Dedee Pfeiffer. Her sisters also pursued acting but never reached the same level of fame as Michelle. The Pfeiffer family became a well-known name in Hollywood, and Michelle's success inspired her sisters as well.
- #046
In March 2004, Michelle Pfeiffer agreed to play Christine Vole in a remake of Billy Wilder's Witness for the Prosecution (1957), a role originally played by Marlene Dietrich. Her husband David E. Kelley was writing and adapting the screenplay, and Agatha Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard said Pfeiffer was perfect for the part. The project never came to fruition.
- #047
Michelle Pfeiffer attended Fountain Valley High School in Fountain Valley, California, and graduated in 1976. During her high school years she began entering beauty pageants, which shaped the direction of her career. After graduating she focused on acting and soon made a name for herself in Hollywood.
- #048
In 1995, Empire magazine published its list of the 100 sexiest stars in film history, and Michelle Pfeiffer placed third. The ranking shows how striking both her beauty and her on-screen allure were. Coming in behind names such as Johnny Depp and Marilyn Monroe, Pfeiffer cemented her iconic status.
- #049
Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the role of Jade Butterfield in Franco Zeffirelli's Endless Love (1981) but was rejected. Zeffirelli gave the part to a much younger actress, Brooke Shields, and later regretted the decision. Pfeiffer's rejection at this early stage illustrates the difficulties and perseverance of her career.
- #050
In September 1999, in an online poll by Entertainment Weekly, Michelle Pfeiffer placed second in the Best Modern Female Actor category, with only Meryl Streep ahead of her. The result shows how respected and beloved an actor Pfeiffer still was in the late '90s. Being compared with Streep proves how high the level of her acting talent was.
- #051
In 1997, Michelle Pfeiffer was named Best Dressed Female Movie Star. The title shows how admired her sense of fashion and style were. Pfeiffer was known for her elegant and chic dress on the red carpet and in everyday life, and the honor proved she was an icon not only in acting but also in the fashion world.
- #052
In 2000, Empire magazine published its list of the '69 Sexiest Movie Characters of All Time,' and Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman/Selina Kyle from Batman Returns (1992) placed third. The ranking shows how iconic and memorable her take on Catwoman was. Pfeiffer's performance is considered one of the most unforgettable roles of her career.
- #053
Readers of Biography magazine voted Michelle Pfeiffer the most beautiful woman of the 1990s. The title shows how she set a standard of beauty throughout the decade. Pfeiffer received great praise from both critics and audiences during the '90s, and the selection solidified her place in popular culture.
- #054
Before moving to Northern California in 2003, Michelle Pfeiffer lived in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. There she was neighbors with famous names such as Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, O.J. Simpson and Roseanne Barr. The proximity shows she moved in Hollywood's most elite circles, and her life during this period was a reflection of her success and social standing.
- #055
In The Age of Innocence (1993), Michelle Pfeiffer played the granddaughter of the character portrayed by Miriam Margolyes, even though in real life Pfeiffer was only 17 years younger than Margolyes. The age gap shows that while the actors depicted a generational difference on screen, their real ages were not far apart. The situation underscores that age does not matter in acting and that talent comes first.
- #056
Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the role of Sissy in Urban Cowboy (1980), which ultimately went to Debra Winger. Winger won great acclaim for the performance and took an important step in her career. Pfeiffer's loss of the part illustrates the competition and choices of her early career.
- #057
Michelle Pfeiffer took karate lessons from Mike Stone for the TV series B.A.D. Cats (1980). In a 2020 interview, Stone revealed that he and Pfeiffer had a romantic relationship that lasted several months. The relationship offers a glimpse into Pfeiffer's private life in her younger years, and the karate lessons helped her prepare for action scenes.
- #058
In a 2013 interview, Michelle Pfeiffer said she missed her adult children after they moved out of the house but enjoyed the freedom of being able to walk around naked at home. The candid remark shows her relaxed and humorous personality. Pfeiffer said she had entered a new phase of her life after her children grew up and that she loved it.
- #059
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Dr. Ellie Sattler in Jurassic Park (1993), which ultimately went to Laura Dern. Dern's performance made the character one of the most memorable in science fiction cinema. Pfeiffer's loss of the part is remembered as another missed opportunity in her career.
- #060
Michelle Pfeiffer competed with Daryl Hannah for the lead role in Ron Howard's Splash (1984), but Hannah won the part. The film gave Hannah a major breakthrough and established her name in comedy. Pfeiffer's loss of the role illustrates the difficulties of her early career.
- #061
Michelle Pfeiffer was offered a role in Lorenzo's Oil (1992) but turned it down because of a scheduling conflict with Batman Returns (1992). The role ultimately went to Susan Sarandon, who was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Pfeiffer's decision reflects her priorities and the timing challenges of her career.
- #062
Michelle Pfeiffer received her acting training from the renowned actress Geraldine Page at a workshop held at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Page was a respected figure in theatre and film and taught Pfeiffer the finer points of acting. This training became one of the cornerstones of Pfeiffer's career and helped develop her talent.
- #063
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down iconic films such as Pretty Woman (1990) and Thelma & Louise (1991). Those films ultimately brought Oscar nominations to the actresses who took the roles: Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise. Pfeiffer's refusals rank among the most discussed decisions of her career.
- #064
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered to star alongside Meryl Streep in Working Girl (1988). The roles ultimately went to Melanie Griffith (in Pfeiffer's place) and Sigourney Weaver (in Streep's place). Griffith won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Missing out on the role was a significant turning point in Pfeiffer's career.
- #065
Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the role of 'Tiffany Wells' in the series Charlie's Angels (1976) but was rejected. The role ultimately went to Shelley Hack. This early rejection illustrates the difficulties at the start of Pfeiffer's career, though the experience became a source of motivation for her later successes.
- #066
Michelle Pfeiffer was named to People magazine's 'Most Intriguing People' list in 1988 and 1989. The selection increased her popularity and media visibility at the time. During this period Pfeiffer was frequently in the spotlight for both her acting career and her personal life.
- #067
Before Michelle Pfeiffer took the lead role in Chéri (2009), Jessica Lange had been attached to the project for years. Lange also received a producer credit on the film. Pfeiffer took over the role after the project's long development process. The film became one of the notable productions of her mature period.
- #068
Before starting her acting career, Michelle Pfeiffer worked in a clothing store. The job reflects her life before coming to Hollywood and her struggle to make a living. After this experience, Pfeiffer decided to train as an actress and achieved success in a short time.
- #069
In 2004, Empire magazine named Michelle Pfeiffer the '13th Greatest Actress of All Time'. The list was a ranking drawn from 50 actresses. Pfeiffer's high placement shows how respected and impressive her acting career is, and the selection proves her lasting impact on cinema history.
- #070
In the credits of the 1981 television film Callie & Son, her name was misspelled as 'Michele'. It was a small but striking mishap at the very start of her career; at the time she had to fight to have her name spelled correctly. Such errors can matter for an actor's name recognition, and Pfeiffer is known to have taken care that her name was spelled correctly in later productions.
- #071
Kate Nelligan holds an important place in Michelle Pfeiffer's career; the two appeared together in three different films. The pair shared top billing in the 1991 romantic comedy Frankie and Johnny, and also appeared on the same set in the 1994 supernatural thriller Wolf and the 1996 drama Up Close & Personal. These three films allowed Pfeiffer to display her talent across different genres, and the rapport between her and Nelligan led them to work together again and again.
- #072
In October 1997, the UK-based Empire magazine placed Michelle Pfeiffer 39th on its 'Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time' list ranking cinema's most important stars. The list was a significant indicator of the value that the era's film authorities placed on actors' careers and influence. Pfeiffer's high placement is regarded as proof of her strong performances and popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
- #073
In the mid-1990s, Michelle Pfeiffer had signed on to star in a remake of The Innocents, the 1961 film starring Deborah Kerr, adapted from Henry James's classic horror novel 'The Turn of the Screw'. The project matched the era's interest in popular horror and thriller films and could have been an important step in Pfeiffer's career. However, the project never came together and the film was never made, leaving it a loss that remains a source of curiosity for Pfeiffer's fans.
- #074
For the role of Breathless Mahoney in the 1990 comic-book adaptation Dick Tracy, Michelle Pfeiffer was among the top three candidates along with Madonna and Kim Basinger. Madonna won the role after roughly a year of intense lobbying. Losing the part could have been a significant turning point in Pfeiffer's career, but she went on to make her mark with other projects. The contest is one example of how fierce the competition for major roles in Hollywood can be.
- #075
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for two films that hold an important place in Nicole Kidman's career: the 1990 action film Days of Thunder and the 1995 black comedy To Die For. In Days of Thunder, the female lead opposite Tom Cruise was one of the productions that launched Kidman in Hollywood. To Die For, meanwhile, presented Kidman with a serious acting challenge and allowed her to display her abilities. Pfeiffer turning down or losing these roles shows that she followed a different path in her career choices.
- #076
Michelle Pfeiffer and her husband David E. Kelley were close friends with the famous comedian Robin Williams. Williams's tragic death in 2014 was a great loss for Pfeiffer and Kelley. The friendship shows how strong the bonds between leading Hollywood figures can be. Pfeiffer has always spoken admiringly of Williams's witty personality and talent.
- #077
The film Passion of Mind began development specifically for Michelle Pfeiffer in the late 1980s. However, when the project finally reached the shooting stage a decade later, Pfeiffer could not accept the role because her schedule was full. The film was then made with Demi Moore in the lead. This shows how long and uncertain a project's development can be in Hollywood; Pfeiffer's loss of the role can be seen as the loss of an important opportunity in her career.
- #078
Michelle Pfeiffer was reported to have turned down starring opposite Pierce Brosnan in the romantic comedy Some Kind of Beautiful (2014). The film was seen as an important production in Brosnan's career, and Pfeiffer's refusal of the offer shows that she was selective. Throughout her career, Pfeiffer has turned down many major projects and has tended to choose the work she found more suited to her.
- #079
Michelle Pfeiffer briefly considered taking the lead in the boxing drama Against the Ropes (2004) but later turned the offer down. The role went to Meg Ryan, and the film failed to achieve the expected success at the box office. Pfeiffer's distance from the project can be seen as a good decision in her career, since the film received negative reviews from critics and was a commercial disappointment.
- #080
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role played by Marcia Gay Harden in Clint Eastwood's Mystic River (2003). Harden was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the part. Pfeiffer losing out on the role can be seen as a significant missed opportunity in her career.
- #081
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Princess Irulan in the 1984 film adaptation of Frank Herbert's cult science-fiction novel Dune, but the part went to Virginia Madsen. The film was directed by David Lynch and stood out for its visual effects. Missing out on the role meant Pfeiffer also lost the chance to appear in the science-fiction genre.
- #082
Michelle Pfeiffer's father was an air-conditioning contractor and her mother was a housewife. Coming from an ordinary family, Pfeiffer went on to become one of the biggest stars in cinema.
- #083
In December 2007, Empire magazine ranked Michelle Pfeiffer 33rd on its list of the sexiest movie stars. Despite being in her late forties, Pfeiffer still appeared on such lists, proving her timeless beauty.
- #084
Michelle Pfeiffer was offered the role of Slim Keith in Infamous (2006), the film about Truman Capote's life, but she turned it down; the part ultimately went to Hope Davis. The film recounts Capote's experiences while writing his book In Cold Blood.
- #085
Michelle Pfeiffer twice missed the chance to work with Meryl Streep, whose fan she is. The first opportunity came with Working Girl (1988), but it never materialized. The second was A Prairie Home Companion (2006); Pfeiffer left that film to make I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007) instead.
- #086
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role of Elena in Fifty Shades Darker (2017); the part went to Kim Basinger. The film was the second installment of the popular Fifty Shades series and had a large fan base.
- #087
Michelle Pfeiffer was the first choice for the female lead in City Island (2009), a comedy-drama about a family's secrets and dreams. She was expected to take the role, but it ultimately went to another actor.
- #088
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Marilyn Lovell, the wife of astronaut Jim Lovell, in Apollo 13 (1995). The role ultimately went to Kathleen Quinlan, who was nominated for an Oscar for the performance. Pfeiffer missing out on the part can be seen as a significant lost opportunity in her career.
- #089
Michelle Pfeiffer turned down the role of the Angel of Death in A Prairie Home Companion (2006); the part went to Virginia Madsen. The film was adapted from Garrison Keillor's radio program and holds an important place in cinema history as Robert Altman's last film.
- #090
Michelle Pfeiffer worked with brothers Ralph and Joseph Fiennes on two different DreamWorks animated films. She voiced a role in The Prince of Egypt (1998) with Ralph and in Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) with Joseph.
- #091
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Golly in Nickelodeon's film adaptation of Harriet the Spy (1996), but the part went to Rosie O'Donnell. The film centered on a young girl's spying adventures and was one of the era's popular children's productions.
- #092
Michelle Pfeiffer was considered for the role of Carrigan Crittenden in Casper (1995). The role ultimately went to Cathy Moriarty. Pfeiffer missing out on the part can be seen as a significant lost opportunity in her career.
- #093
In 2004, Michelle Pfeiffer signed on to star in two romantic comedies: Taming Ben Taylor (2004), in which she would have appeared opposite Kevin Costner, and She's Gone (2004), about a couple whose marriage is at a crossroads. She's Gone was to be produced for Disney by Armyan Bernstein and Mark Johnson. Neither project came to fruition.
- #094
Michelle Pfeiffer is the sister-in-law of Jude Cole and Kevin Ryan, who are married to siblings of her husband, David E. Kelley. She is also the former sister-in-law of Gregory Fein.
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