The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Michelle Pfeiffer
Entertainment • Actor

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer is an American actress and producer born in Santa Ana, California, on April 29, 1958.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Michelle Pfeiffer is an American actress and producer born in Santa Ana, California, on April 29, 1958. She became one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars in the 1980s and 1990s, with acclaimed roles in films such as *Scarface*, *Dangerous Liaisons*, and *The Fabulous Baker Boys*.

Early life and career beginnings

Michelle Pfeiffer was born in Santa Ana, California, and began her career in 1978. Sources note that she first pursued modelling and pageant work before moving into acting.

Breakthrough and major film roles

Pfeiffer’s breakout roles came in *Grease 2* and *Scarface*, followed by major success in *Dangerous Liaisons*, *The Fabulous Baker Boys*, and *Batman Returns*. These films helped establish her as one of the leading screen actors of her era.

Awards and recognition

Her work earned a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award, along with nominations for three Academy Awards and three Primetime Emmy Awards. She also received broader recognition as one of the most bankable Hollywood stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Personal life

Pfeiffer married television writer-producer David E. Kelley in 1993. Biographical sources also identify her as having been previously married to Peter Horton from 1981 to 1988.

Key facts

  • Pfeiffer gained early attention with roles in *Grease 2* and *Scarface*.
  • She received three Academy Award nominations and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
  • Her acclaimed performances include *Dangerous Liaisons*, *The Fabulous Baker Boys*, and *Love Field*.
  • She played Catwoman in *Batman Returns*.
  • She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
🍁
Canadian context

Michelle Pfeiffer has been widely known to Canadian audiences through major Hollywood film releases and television appearances, but there is no strong Canada-specific biographical connection in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michelle Pfeiffer?
Michelle Pfeiffer is an American actress and producer known for acclaimed film roles in the 1980s and 1990s.
When was Michelle Pfeiffer born?
She was born on April 29, 1958.
What are Michelle Pfeiffer’s best-known films?
Her best-known films include *Scarface*, *Dangerous Liaisons*, *The Fabulous Baker Boys*, and *Batman Returns*.
Has Michelle Pfeiffer won major awards?
Yes. She has won a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award and has received multiple Oscar and Emmy nominations.
Is Michelle Pfeiffer married?
Yes. She has been married to David E. Kelley since 1993.
What is Michelle Pfeiffer’s nationality?
She is American.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Pfeiffer
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, occupation, major awards, and status as a prominent Hollywood star.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/michelle-pfeiffer
    Supports: Early career, breakout roles, Catwoman role, Walk of Fame star, and marriage to David E. Kelley.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000201/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and family background.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Michelle-Pfeiffer
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and marriages to Peter Horton and David E. Kelley.
  5. Wikipedia (Catalan) — https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Pfeiffer
    Supports: Nationality, occupation, and award recognition.
  6. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Pfeiffer
    Supports: Oscar nominations and awards for *Dangerous Liaisons* and *The Fabulous Baker Boys*.