Michelle Pfeiffer is an acclaimed American actress widely recognized for her versatile performances in films such as Scarface, Dangerous Minds, and Batman Returns.
Born on April 29, 1958, in Santa Ana, California, Michelle Pfeiffer was raised in Midway City. Early in life, she participated in beauty pageants and won the title of Miss Orange County in 1978. Though she briefly studied to become a court reporter, Pfeiffer ultimately decided to pursue acting. She began her screen career with guest appearances on popular television shows, including Fantasy Island.
Pfeiffer landed a minor role in Falling in Love Again (1980), but her breakout came with Grease 2 (1982). Although the film was a commercial and critical disappointment, it showcased her screen presence and opened doors to more prominent roles. She gained critical acclaim with her portrayal of Elvira Hancock in the crime classic Scarface (1983) alongside Al Pacino, proving her talent in high-profile productions and solidifying herself as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Known for being selective with her roles, Pfeiffer delivered a series of well-received performances throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In What Lies Beneath (2000), a psychological horror film co-starring Harrison Ford, she impressed with her gripping portrayal of a haunted woman. The following year, she starred opposite Sean Penn in I Am Sam (2001), playing a determined lawyer in a touching story about a father with developmental disabilities fighting for custody of his daughter.
Continuing to explore complex family dynamics, Pfeiffer appeared in White Oleander (2002), portraying a manipulative mother imprisoned for murder, with her daughter placed in foster care. The film earned critical praise for Pfeiffer's intense and layered performance.
After a brief hiatus, Pfeiffer returned to the screen in 2007 with a memorable role in the musical Hairspray. Playing Velma Von Tussle, she delivered a witty and entertaining performance alongside John Travolta, Christopher Walken, and Nikki Blonsky. That same year, she appeared in the fantasy adventure Stardust (2007) with Robert De Niro, followed by Personal Effects (2009), a drama in which she starred with Ashton Kutcher.
In 2018, Pfeiffer made a notable entry into the superhero genre by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Janet Van Dyne (The Wasp) in Ant-Man and the Wasp. She reprised the role briefly in the blockbuster Avengers: Endgame (2019). That same year, she joined the ensemble cast of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, starring alongside Angelina Jolie and Chiwetel Ejiofor, further solidifying her continued relevance in major Hollywood productions.
In 1993, Michelle Pfeiffer adopted her daughter, Claudia, as a single parent. Later that year, she married television writer and producer David E. Kelley, best known for creating legal dramas such as Ally McBeal and Boston Legal. The couple welcomed their son, John Henry, in 1994. Prior to marrying Kelley, Pfeiffer had been married to actor Peter Horton, with whom she was together during the early phase of her acting career.
Michelle Pfeiffer is widely regarded as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. Known for her beauty, screen presence, and range, she has earned multiple award nominations, including three Academy Award nods. With a career spanning over four decades, she continues to take on dynamic roles in both mainstream and independent films. According to several celebrity wealth estimates, Pfeiffer’s net worth is reported to be around $250 million, a testament to her enduring success in the film industry.
| Birth Date: | 29 Apr, 1958 |
| Age: | 62 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Santa Ana |
| residence: | Orange County |
| Education: | Golden West College Fountain Valley High School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Spouse: | Peter Horton[1981-1988] David E. Kelley [M. 1993] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 250 million |
