View source for Michelle Pfeiffer

{{Short description|American actress (born 1958)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Michelle Pfeiffer
| image              = Michelle Pfeiffer Ant-Man & The Wasp premiere.jpg
| alt                = A photograph of Michelle Pfeiffer at the premiere of ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' in 2018
| caption            = Pfeiffer in 2018
| birth_name         = Michelle Marie Pfeiffer
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1958|4|29}}
| birth_place        = [[Santa Ana, California]], U.S.
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actress|producer}}
| years_active       = 1977–present
| works              = [[List of Michelle Pfeiffer performances|Full list]]
| spouse             = {{ubl|{{marriage|[[Peter Horton]]|1981|1988|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[David E. Kelley]]|1993}}}}
| children           = 2
| relatives          = [[Dedee Pfeiffer]] (sister)
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Michelle Pfeiffer|Full list]]
| signature          = Michelle Pfeiffer signature.svg
}}

'''Michelle Marie Pfeiffer''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|aɪ|f|ər}} {{respell|FY|fər}}; born April 29, 1958) is an American actress and producer. One of the most [[Bankable star|bankable stars]] in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, her [[List of Michelle Pfeiffer performances|performances]] have earned her [[List of awards and nominations received by Michelle Pfeiffer|various accolades]], including a [[Golden Globe Award]] and a [[British Academy Film Award]], as well as nominations for three [[Academy Awards]] and one [[Primetime Emmy Award]].

Pfeiffer began her acting career with minor appearances in television and film, and secured her first leading role in ''[[Grease 2]]'' (1982). She achieved widespread recognition for her [[Breakthrough role|breakthrough]] performance as [[Elvira Hancock]] in ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' (1983), followed by mainstream success with ''[[The Witches of Eastwick (film)|The Witches of Eastwick]]'' (1987) and ''[[Tequila Sunrise (film)|Tequila Sunrise]]'' (1988). Pfeiffer received her first of six consecutive [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Award]] nominations for ''[[Married to the Mob]]'' (1988). She earned consecutive [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] nominations, [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] for ''[[Dangerous Liaisons]]'' (1988) and [[Academy Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] for ''[[The Fabulous Baker Boys]]'' (1989), winning a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama|Golden Globe Award]] for the latter.

Established as one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s, Pfeiffer played [[Catwoman (Selina Kyle)|Catwoman]] in ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992) and received her third Academy Award nomination for ''[[Love Field (film)|Love Field]]'' (1992). She continued to appear in prominent films throughout the decade, including ''[[The Age of Innocence (1993 film)|The Age of Innocence]]'' (1993) and ''[[Wolf (1994 film)|Wolf]]'' (1994). Through her production company, Via Rosa Productions, she produced and starred in several films, including ''[[Dangerous Minds]]'' (1995). In the 2000s, Pfeiffer reduced her acting workload to focus on her family, appearing in select projects such as ''[[What Lies Beneath]]'' (2000), ''[[White Oleander (film)|White Oleander]]'' (2002), ''[[Hairspray (2007 film)|Hairspray]]''  and ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]'' (both 2007).

Following a hiatus, Pfeiffer returned to prominence in 2017 with roles in ''[[Where Is Kyra?]]'', ''[[Mother!]]'', and ''[[Murder on the Orient Express (2017 film)|Murder on the Orient Express]]''. That same year, she received her first [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Primetime Emmy Award]] nomination for portraying [[Ruth Madoff]] in the television film ''[[The Wizard of Lies]]''. In 2020, she earned her eighth Golden Globe Award nomination for ''[[French Exit (2020 film)|French Exit]]''. Since 2018, Pfeiffer has portrayed [[Wasp (character)|Janet van Dyne]] in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], beginning with ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp]]''.

==Early life==
Michelle Marie Pfeiffer was born on April 29, 1958, in [[Santa Ana, California]], to Richard Pfeiffer, an air-conditioning contractor, and Donna Jean (née Taverna), a housewife.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-the-unstoppable-michelle-pfeiffer-vol-51-no-17/ | title=The Unstoppable Michelle Pfeiffer | publisher=Time, Inc | date=May 10, 1999 | magazine=People | access-date=September 6, 2016}}</ref> She has an older brother, Rick, and two younger sisters, [[Dedee Pfeiffer|Dedee]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allrovi.com/name/dedee-pfeiffer-p56465 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718024015/http://www.allrovi.com/name/dedee-pfeiffer-p56465 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |title=DeDee Pfeiffer – Movie and Film Biography and Filmography |website=AllRovi |publisher=Rovi Corporation |access-date=June 11, 2011 }}</ref> and Lori.<ref name="yahoo"/> Her parents were both originally from [[North Dakota]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Egan |first=Tim |author-link=Timothy Egan |date=August 6, 1995 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Sensuous to Sensible |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/06/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-sensuous-to-sensible.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408114331/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/06/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-sensuous-to-sensible.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=February 4, 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Her paternal grandfather was of German ancestry and her paternal grandmother was of English, Welsh, French, Irish, and Dutch descent, while her maternal grandfather was of Swiss-German-Italian descent and her maternal grandmother of Swedish ancestry.<ref name=tcat>{{cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer – Pfeiffer: 'I'm A Multi-Cultural Mutt' |website=Contact Music |date=February 1, 2008 |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/pfeiffer-im-a-multi-cultural-mutt_1058208 |access-date=August 28, 2010 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927220351/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/pfeiffer-im-a-multi-cultural-mutt_1058208 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The family moved to [[Midway City, California|Midway City]], another Orange County community around seven miles (11&nbsp;km) away, where Pfeiffer spent her early years.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QUWTsTnOLDIC&q=michelle%20pfeiffer%20santa%20ana&pg=PA48 |title=Orange County: Then & Now |first=Chris |last=Epting |publisher=Arcadia Publishing|year=2011 |access-date=April 25, 2011|isbn=978-0-7385-8115-6}}</ref>

Pfeiffer attended [[Fountain Valley High School]], graduating in 1976.<ref name="Egan" /> She worked as a check-out girl at [[Vons]] supermarket, and attended [[Golden West College]]<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BAwx9lRs1gQC&q=michelle%20pfeiffer%20santa%20ana&pg=RA1-PA19 |title=Glamorous Movie Stars of the Eighties Paper Dolls |first=Tom |last=Tierney |publisher=Courier Dover Publications|year=2002|isbn=978-0-486-42191-9}}</ref> where she was a member of [[Alpha Delta Pi]] sorority. After a short stint training to be a court [[Shorthand|stenographer]], she pursued an acting career.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Michelle Pfeiffer biography |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/michelle-pfeiffer/ |magazine=Hello! Magazine |access-date=May 5, 2011}}</ref> Pfeiffer won the Miss Orange County beauty pageant in 1978 and finished sixth in the [[Miss California]] contest the same year.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zDZcAAAAIBAJ&dq=michelle-pfeiffer&pg=5187%2C2637035 |title=Burbank Gal is Chosen as State Titlist |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Merced-Sun Star |publisher=The McClatchy Company |date=April 17, 1978 |access-date=July 18, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2021}}</ref> After her appearances in these pageants, Pfeiffer acquired an agent and began to audition for television and film roles.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AF4EAAAAMBAJ&q=michelle%20pfeiffer%20Miss%20Los%20Angeles&pg=PA130 |title=Beauty and the Beast |magazine=Los Angeles Magazine |date=November 2002 |first=Steve |last=Erickson |publisher=Emmis Communications|issn=1522-9149|volume=47|number=11 |access-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref>

==Career==
===Late 1970s and 1980s===
[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer - Studio Portrait (1979).jpg|thumb|upright|Pfeiffer in 1979]]

Pfeiffer made her acting debut in 1978, in a one-episode appearance of ''[[Fantasy Island]]''.<ref name="Egan">{{cite news |last=Egan |first=Tim |author-link=Timothy Egan |date=August 6, 1995 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Sensuous to Sensible |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/06/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-sensuous-to-sensible.html?pagewanted=4&src=pm |access-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903235841/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/06/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-sensuous-to-sensible.html?pagewanted=4&src=pm |archive-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref> Other roles on television series followed, including ''[[Delta House]]'', ''[[CHiPs]]'', ''[[Enos (TV series)|Enos]]'' and ''[[B.A.D. Cats]]'', as well as in the made-for-CBS film ''The Solitary Man'' (1979).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dev.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/151595%7C0/Michelle-Pfeiffer#life-events |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Live Events |website=TCM |access-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128120609/http://dev.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/151595%7C0/Michelle-Pfeiffer#life-events |url-status=dead }}</ref> Pfeiffer transitioned to film with the comedy ''[[The Hollywood Knights]]'' (1980), with [[Tony Danza]], appearing as high school sweethearts. She subsequently played supporting roles in ''[[Falling in Love Again (1980 film)|Falling in Love Again]]'' (1980) with [[Susannah York]] and ''[[Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen]]'' (1981), none of which met with much critical or box office success. She appeared in a television commercial for [[Lux (soap)|Lux soap]],<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Weekly Review |magazine=Weekly Review |publisher=Weekly Review Ltd |year=1983 |issue=1186 |page=96}}</ref> and took acting lessons at the [[Beverly Hills Playhouse]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhplayhouse.com/michelle-pfeiffer |title=Alumni videos: Beverly Hills Playhouse |website=Beverly Hills Playhouse |access-date=July 10, 2011 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123054900/https://www.bhplayhouse.com/michelle-pfeiffer |url-status=dead }}</ref> before appearing in three 1981 television movies – ''Callie and Son'', with [[Lindsay Wagner]], ''[[The Children Nobody Wanted]]'' and ''[[Splendor in the Grass (1981 film)|Splendor in the Grass]]''.

Pfeiffer obtained her first starring film role as the female lead in ''[[Grease 2]]'' (1982),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Brantley |date=February 1989 |title=The Enigma Next Door |url=https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/1989/2/the-enigma-next-door |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> the sequel to the smash-hit musical film ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]'' (1978).<ref name="thompson"/> With only a few television roles and small film appearances, the 23-year-old Pfeiffer was an unknown actress when she attended the casting call audition for the role, but according to director [[Patricia Birch]], she won the part because she "has a quirky quality you don't expect".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118134913/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/Bio_013.htm|url-status=dead|title=The Genesis of ''Grease 2''|website=pfeiffertheface.com|archive-date=January 18, 2010}}</ref> The film was a critical and commercial failure but Pfeiffer's performance was noted as a standout.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanford |first=James |date=July 5, 2007 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer fans, rejoice: She's this year's comeback kid |url=https://www.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2007/07/michelle_pfeiffer_fans_rejoice.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406160106/https://www.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2007/07/michelle_pfeiffer_fans_rejoice.html |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=March 25, 2021 |website=[[MLive.com]]}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' remarked: "[A]lthough she is a relative screen newcomer, Miss Pfeiffer manages to look much more insouciant and comfortable than anyone else in the cast."<ref>{{cite news|last=Maslin|first=Janet|author-link=Janet Maslin|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?_r=1&res=9d02efdb143bf932a25755c0a964948260|title=''Grease 2'' (1982): More Grease|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 11, 1982|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108072705/https://www.nytimes.com/reviews/movies|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite escaping the critical mauling, her agent later admitted that her association with the film meant that "she couldn't get any jobs. Nobody wanted to hire her."<ref name="thompson">{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Douglas |title=Pfeiffer: Beyond the Age of Innocence |publisher=Warner Futura |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-7515-1030-0}}</ref> On her early screen roles, she asserted: "I needed to learn how to act ... in the meantime, I was playing bimbos and cashing in on my looks."<ref name="Egan"/>

Director [[Brian De Palma]], having seen ''Grease 2'', refused to audition Pfeiffer for ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' (1983), but relented at the insistence of [[Martin Bregman]], the film's producer. She was cast as cocaine-addicted trophy wife [[Elvira Hancock]].<ref name="talk">{{cite web|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Biography|url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/4|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926071520/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/4|archive-date=September 26, 2008|access-date=October 23, 2008|website=[[TalkTalk Group|Talk Talk]]|publisher=Tiscali UK Limited trading|quote=Michelle, renowned as the most beautiful actress in the world ...}}</ref> The film was considered excessively violent by most critics, but became a commercial hit and gained a large [[cult following]] in subsequent years.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oek-PyR-70UC&q=scarface%20violent&pg=PA162 |title=New forms of consumption: consumers, culture, and commodification |first=Mark |last=Gottdiener |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-8476-9570-6 |date=2000}}</ref> Pfeiffer received positive reviews for her supporting turn; [[Richard Corliss]] of ''[[Time Magazine]]'' wrote, "most of the large cast is fine: Michelle Pfeiffer is better ..."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,951028-2,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022232016/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,951028-2,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 22, 2007 |title=Say Good Night to the Bad Guy |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|first=Richard |last=Corlis |date=December 5, 1983 |access-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> while [[Dominick Dunne]], in an article for ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' titled "Blonde Ambition", wrote, "[s]he is on the verge of stardom. In the parlance of the industry, she is hot."<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair |first=Dominick |last=Dunne |title=Blonde Ambition|year=1984|volume=47|number=3 |page=58}}</ref>

[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer 01.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Pfeiffer in 1985]]

Following ''Scarface'', she played Diana in [[John Landis]]' comedy ''[[Into the Night (1985 film)|Into the Night]]'' (1985), with [[Jeff Goldblum]]; Isabeau d'Anjou in [[Richard Donner]]'s fantasy film ''[[Ladyhawke (film)|Ladyhawke]]'' (1985), with [[Rutger Hauer]] and [[Matthew Broderick]]; Faith Healy in [[Alan Alda]]'s ''[[Sweet Liberty]]'' (1986), with [[Michael Caine]]; and Brenda Landers in a segment of the 1950s sci-fi parody ''[[Amazon Women on the Moon]]'' (1987), all of which, despite achieving only modest commercial success, helped to establish her as an actress. She finally scored a major box-office hit as Sukie Ridgemont in the 1987 [[The Witches of Eastwick (film)|adaptation]] of [[John Updike]]'s novel ''[[The Witches of Eastwick]]'', with [[Jack Nicholson]], [[Cher]], and [[Susan Sarandon]]. The film received positive reviews and grossed over $63.7&nbsp;million domestically, equivalent to ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|63.766510|1987|r=0}}}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars,{{inflation-fn|US}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=witchesofeastwick.htm |title=The Witches of Eastwick |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=April 27, 2011}}.</ref> becoming one of her earliest critical and commercial successes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=All Michelle Pfeiffer Movies, Ranked By Tomatometer|url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-michelle-pfeiffer-movies-ranked/|access-date=February 18, 2012|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref><ref name="Marx-2023">{{Cite web |last=Marx |first=Rebecca Flint |title=Michelle Pfeiffer – Biography by Rebecca Flint Marx |url=https://www.allmovie.com/artist/p56469 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228064103/https://www.allmovie.com/artist/p56469 |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=[[AllMovie]]}}</ref> Praising their comic timing, [[Roger Ebert]] wrote that Pfeiffer and her female co-stars each "have a delicious good time with their roles",<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ebert|first=Roger|author-link=Roger Ebert|date=June 12, 1987|title=The Witches of Eastwick|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-witches-of-eastwick-1987|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=[[RogerEbert.com]]}}</ref> while the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' film critic [[Sheila Benson]] said Pfeiffer makes her character "a warm, irresistible character."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Benson|first=Sheila|author-link=Sheila Benson|date=June 12, 1987|title=Movie Review: 'Witches' Curse Goes to the Devil|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-06-12-ca-4000-story.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

Pfeiffer was cast against type, as a murdered gangster's widow, in [[Jonathan Demme]]'s [[mafia comedy]] ''[[Married to the Mob]]'' (1988), with [[Matthew Modine]], [[Dean Stockwell]] and [[Mercedes Ruehl]]. For the role of Angela de Marco, she donned a curly brunette wig and a [[Brooklyn]] accent,<ref name="yahoo">{{cite web |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800016613/bio |title=Michelle Pfeiffer biography |website=Yahoo Movies |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=April 27, 2011}}</ref> and received her first [[Golden Globe Award]] nomination as [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy|Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]], beginning a six-year streak of consecutive Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.msn.com/celebrities/celebrity-awards-and-nominations/michelle-pfeiffer/?ipp=15&startingItem=31 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer – awards and nominations |website=MSN Movies |publisher=Microsoft Corporation |access-date=April 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923122344/http://movies.msn.com/celebrities/celebrity-awards-and-nominations/michelle-pfeiffer/?ipp=15&startingItem=31 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/29761 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060521180439/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/29761 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2006 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |website=Golden Globe Awards |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association |access-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> Pfeiffer then appeared as chic restaurateuse Jo Ann Vallenari in ''[[Tequila Sunrise (film)|Tequila Sunrise]]'' (1988) with [[Mel Gibson]] and [[Kurt Russell]], but experienced creative and personal differences with director [[Robert Towne]], who later described her as the "most difficult" actress he has ever worked with.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/M_1988_CT.htm |title=Tequila Sunrise: Michelle Pfeiffer |website=Pfeiffertheface.com |access-date=October 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101171617/http://www.pfeiffertheface.com/M_1988_CT.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At Demme's personal recommendation,<ref name="thompson"/> Pfeiffer joined the cast of [[Stephen Frears]]'s ''[[Dangerous Liaisons]]'' (1988), with [[Glenn Close]] and [[John Malkovich]], playing Madame Marie de Tourvel, the virtuous victim of seduction. Hal Hinson of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' saw Pfeiffer's role as "the least obvious and the most difficult. Nothing is harder to play than virtue, and Pfeiffer is smart enough not to try. Instead, she embodies it. Her porcelain-skinned beauty, in this regard, is a great asset, and the way it's used makes it seem an aspect of her spirituality."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/dangerousliaisonsrhinson_a0a8d4.htm |title=Dangerous Liaisons |newspaper=The Washington Post |date= January 13, 1989 |access-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> She won the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/film/nominations/?year=1989 |title=Past winners and nominees – Film nominations 1989 |website=British Academy of Film and Television Arts |access-date=April 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525123102/http://www.bafta.org/awards/film/nominations/?year=1989 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> and received a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1989 |title=61st Academy Awards winners |website=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |access-date=April 28, 2011}}</ref>

Pfeiffer then accepted the role of [[Susie Diamond]], a hard-edged former call girl turned lounge singer, in ''[[The Fabulous Baker Boys]]'' (1989), which also starred [[Jeff Bridges]] and [[Beau Bridges]] as the eponymous Baker Boys. She underwent intense voice training for the role for four months, and performed all of her character's vocals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totalfilm.com/features/150-greatest-movie-performances-of-all-time-1/146-michelle-pfeiffer-susie-diamond-the-fabulous-baker-boys-1989 |title=150 Greatest movie performances of all time |website=TotalFilm.com |access-date=April 28, 2011}}</ref> The film was a modest success, grossing $18.4&nbsp;million in the US and Canada (equivalent to ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|18.428904|1989|r=0}}}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fabulousbakerboys.htm |title=The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |access-date=April 28, 2011}}</ref> Her portrayal of Susie, however, drew unanimous acclaim from critics. Critic [[Roger Ebert]] compared her to [[Rita Hayworth]] in ''[[Gilda (film)|Gilda]]'' and to [[Marilyn Monroe]] in ''[[Some Like It Hot]]'', adding that the film was "one of the movies they will use as a document, years from now, when they begin to trace the steps by which Pfeiffer became a great star".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19891013/REVIEWS/910130303/1023 |title=''The Fabulous Baker Boys''|first=Roger |last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|access-date=October 23, 2008 |date=October 13, 1989 |archive-date=May 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507135632/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-fabulous-baker-boys-1989 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the 1989–1990 awards season, Pfeiffer won as Best Actress at the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama|Golden Globes]], the [[National Board of Review Award for Best Actress|National Board of Review]], the [[National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress|National Society of Film Critics]], the [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress|New York Film Critics Circle]], the [[Los Angeles Film Critics Association]] and the [[Chicago Film Critics Association]]. Pfeiffer's performance as Susie is considered to be the most critically acclaimed of her career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/02/the-roles-of-a-lifetime-michelle-pfeiffer.html|title=The Roles of a Lifetime: Michelle Pfeiffer|last1=Gorman|first1=Allison|last2=Gorman|first2=Anna|date=February 2, 2015|website=Paste|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=November 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064653/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/02/the-roles-of-a-lifetime-michelle-pfeiffer.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haskell |first=Robert |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer is Back (as if She Ever Left) |url=https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-march-feature |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402173812/https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-march-feature |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2019 |website=[[InStyle]] |quote=The Fabulous Baker Boys — in which she gave her most widely lauded performance, as the lounge singer Susie Diamond}}</ref> The scene in which her character seductively performs "[[Makin' Whoopee]]" atop a grand piano is considered to be a memorable scene in modern cinema.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nathan|first=Ian|date=January 1, 2020|title=The Fabulous Baker Boys Review|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/fabulous-baker-boys-review/|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=West|first=Rachel|date=April 29, 2018|title=Michelle Pfeiffer's 10 Best Roles|url=https://etcanada.com/photos/321985/michelle-pfeiffers-10-best-roles/#image-321989|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=[[Entertainment Tonight Canada]]|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406160105/https://etcanada.com/photos/321985/michelle-pfeiffers-10-best-roles/#image-321989|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Graham-2010">{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Jane |date=October 16, 2010 |title=The Fabulous Baker Boys: No 24 best romantic film of all time |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/16/fabulous-baker-boys-romance-film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010213505/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/16/fabulous-baker-boys-romance-film |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]] |quote=this is Pfeiffer's movie, the one that made her the biggest female film star in the world}}</ref><ref name="Barlow-2009">{{Cite web|date=June 29, 2009|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: ageless beauty|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-ageless-beauty-20090629-d28b.html|access-date=June 22, 2021|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|quote=When Michelle Pfeiffer purred the words to while sprawled across a grand piano in 1989's s, the scene went down in history as one of cinema's sexiest moments.}}</ref>

===1990s===
[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer 1990.jpg|thumb|upright|Pfeiffer at the [[63rd Academy Awards]] in 1990]]
In 1990, Pfeiffer formed her own film production company, Via Rosa Productions, with business partner Kate Guinzburg, whom she had met on the set of ''Sweet Liberty'' (1986). The company was under a picture deal with [[Touchstone Pictures]], a film label of [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|The Walt Disney Studios]]. That year, Pfeiffer began earning $1&nbsp;million per film,<ref name="Empire-2010">{{Cite magazine |date=February 1, 2010 |title=She sings! She dances! She acts! – The Fabulous Pfeiffer Girl |url=http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/she-sings-she-dances-she-acts-february-1990/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825064957/http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/she-sings-she-dances-she-acts-february-1990/ |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |magazine=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |via=Gorgeous Pfeiffer}}</ref> and took on the part of the Soviet book editor Katya Orlova in the [[The Russia House (film)|film adaptation]] of [[John le Carré]]'s ''[[The Russia House]]'', with [[Sean Connery]], a role that required her to adopt a Russian accent. For her efforts, she was rewarded with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/88799/the-russia-house#articles-reviews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021152459/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/88799/The-Russia-House/#articles-reviews |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |first=Richard |last=Smith |title=The Russia House |website=Turner Classic Movies |publisher=Time Warner Company |access-date=April 28, 2011}}</ref> Pfeiffer then landed the role of damaged waitress Frankie in [[Garry Marshall]]'s ''[[Frankie and Johnny (1991 film)|Frankie and Johnny]]'' (1991), a film adaptation of [[Terrence McNally]]'s [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] play ''[[Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune]]'', which reunited her with her ''Scarface'' co-star, [[Al Pacino]]. The casting was seen as controversial by many, as Pfeiffer was considered far too beautiful to play an "ordinary" waitress;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/people/bc/1999/05/25/pfeiffer/index1.html |title=Salon Brilliant Careers #124; The dazzling versatility of Michelle Pfeiffer |website=Salon.com |access-date=October 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208202439/http://www.salon.com/people/bc/1999/05/25/pfeiffer/index1.html |archive-date=February 8, 2007 }}</ref> [[Kathy Bates]], the original Frankie on Broadway, also expressed disappointment over the producers' choice.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IOkCAAAAMBAJ&q=Kathy%20Bates%20michelle%20pfeiffer%20frankie%20and%20johnny&pg=PA40 |title=Frankie and Johnny brings outrageous romance to a wounded city |first=David |last=Denby |magazine=New York magazine |date=September 23, 1991 |publisher=New York Media, LLC |access-date=May 1, 2011 |issn=0028-7369|volume=24|number=37}}</ref> Pfeiffer herself stated that she took the role because it "wasn't what people would expect of [her]".<ref>{{cite episode |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |series=Inside the Actors Studio |series-link=Inside the Actors Studio |airdate=August 5, 2007 |season=13 |number=16}}</ref> Pfeiffer was once again nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama]] for her performance.

Pfeiffer took on the role of [[Selina Kyle (Batman Returns)|Selina Kyle–Catwoman]] in [[Tim Burton]]'s superhero film ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992), opposite [[Michael Keaton]] and [[Danny DeVito]], after [[Annette Bening]] dropped out because of her pregnancy. For the role, she trained in martial arts and [[kickboxing]]. Pfeiffer received unanimous critical acclaim for her portrayal, which is often referred to as the greatest performance of Catwoman of all time by critics and fans.<ref name="Erbland-2021" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-best-batman-returns-movie/|title=Batman: Why Michelle Pfeiffer Is The Best Catwoman|last=Cotter|first=Padraig|date=March 29, 2019|website=ScreenRant|access-date=June 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/best-batman-movie-villains-catwoman-michelle-pfeiffer/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman Is Still Batman's Best Movie Villain|last=Melrose|first=Kevin|date=June 19, 2017|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date=June 18, 2019|quote=it's Selina's story that imbues Batman Returns with a depth that lifts it above its predecessor, and establishes Pfeiffer's Catwoman as the Caped Crusader's most compelling movie villain of all time.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-whip/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Shows Why She's Still The Best Catwoman|last=Diaz|first=Eric|date=April 2, 2019|website=Nerdist|access-date=June 8, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bastién |first=Angelica Jade |author-link=Angelica Jade Bastién |date=June 26, 2017 |title=25 Years Later, Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman Is Still the Best Superhero Movie Villain |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns-is-still-the-best-villain.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519203644/https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns-is-still-the-best-villain.html |archive-date=May 19, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2019 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |quote=Pfeiffer's Catwoman is widely seen as the best cinematic take on the character}}</ref> ''[[Premiere (magazine)|Premiere]]'' retrospectively stated: "Arguably the outstanding villain of the Tim Burton era, Michelle Pfeiffer's deadly kitten with a whip brought sex to the normally neutered franchise. Her stitched-together, black patent leather costume, based on a sketch of Burton's, remains the character's most iconic look. And Michelle Pfeiffer overcomes ''Batman Returns''{{'}} heavy-handed feminist dialogue to deliver a growling, fierce performance."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.premiere.com/List/The-Best-and-Worst-Batman-Villains/The-Best-Bat-Villains-Catwoman |title=The Best and Worst Batman Villains |magazine=[[Première (magazine)|Première]] |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. |access-date=May 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203105145/http://www.premiere.com/List/The-Best-and-Worst-Batman-Villains/The-Best-Bat-Villains-Catwoman |archive-date=December 3, 2010 }}</ref> ''Batman Returns'' was a big box office success, grossing over $267&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batman Returns at Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0103776/ |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDb Company |access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>

The first film her company produced was the independent drama ''[[Love Field (film)|Love Field]]'', which was released in 1992. Reviewers embraced the film and ''The New York Times'' felt that Pfeiffer was "again demonstrating that she is as subtle and surprising as she is beautiful".<ref>{{cite news|last=Maslin|first=Janet|author-link=Janet Maslin|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/11/movies/review-film-michelle-pfeiffer-in-a-tale-of-a-1960-s-interracial-friendship.html|access-date=February 15, 2024|title=Review/Film; Michelle Pfeiffer in a Tale of a 1960's Interracial Friendship|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 10, 1989}}</ref> For her portrayal of an eccentric [[Dallas, Texas]] housewife, she earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Drama and won the [[Silver Bear for Best Actress]] at the [[43rd Berlin International Film Festival]].<ref name=lovef>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/work/love-field-30289/awards |title=Love Field – Awards |website=AllMovie |publisher=Rovi Company |access-date=April 28, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Berlinale 1993">{{cite web |url=http://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/1993/03_preistr_ger_1993/03_Preistraeger_1993.html |title=Berlinale: 1993 Prize Winners |access-date=June 1, 2011 |website=Berlinale.de |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015120403/http://www.berlinale.de/en/archiv/jahresarchive/1993/03_preistr_ger_1993/03_Preistraeger_1993.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In [[Martin Scorsese]]'s period drama ''[[The Age of Innocence (1993 film)|The Age of Innocence]]'' (1993), a [[film adaptation]] of [[Edith Wharton]]'s 1920 [[The Age of Innocence|novel]], Pfeiffer starred with [[Daniel Day-Lewis]] and [[Winona Ryder]], portraying a Countess in upper-class [[New York City]] in the 1870s. For her role, she received the [[Elvira Notari]] Prize at the [[Venice Film Festival]], and a [[Golden Globe]] nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-14-ca-3168-story.html |title=Pfeiffer spices up award show |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 28, 2011 |first=Jane |last=Galbraith |date=June 14, 1993}}</ref> That year, she was awarded the Women in Film Los Angeles' [[Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards#THE CRYSTAL AWARD|Crystal Award]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-14-ca-3168-story.html |first=Jane |last=Galbraith |title=Pfeiffer spices up award show |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 14, 1993 |access-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref>

Following the formation of her producing company, Via Rosa Productions, Pfeiffer saw a professional expansion as a producer. While she continued to act steadily throughout the decade, she and her producing partner Guinzburg experienced a winning streak of producing back to back films next under their header. She starred with [[Jack Nicholson]] in the 1994 horror film ''[[Wolf (1994 film)|Wolf]]'', portraying the sardonic and willful interest of a writer who becomes a wolf-man at night after being bitten by a creature. The film was released to a mixed critical reception;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/1053942-wolf/ |title=Wolf Movie Reviews, Pictures |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=May 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522064754/http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/1053942-wolf/ |archive-date=May 22, 2010 }}</ref> ''The New York Times'' wrote: "Ms. Pfeiffer's role is underwritten, but her performance is expert enough to make even diffidence compelling."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D02EFDE143DF934A25755C0A962958260 |title=''Wolf'' (1994) Review/Film; Wolf Bites Man; Man Sheds His Civilized Coat |first=Janet |last=Maslin|author-link=Janet Maslin|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 17, 1994 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> ''Wolf'' was a commercial success, grossing $65&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|65|1994|r=0}}}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|US}}) at the domestic box office and $131&nbsp;million worldwide (equivalent to ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|131|1994|r=0}}}}&nbsp;million).<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolf at Box Office Mojo |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wolf.htm |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDb Company |date=February 10, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2011}}</ref>

Pfeiffer's next role was that of high school teacher and former [[United States Marine Corps|United States Marine]] [[LouAnne Johnson]] in the drama ''[[Dangerous Minds]]'' (1995),<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nTgDAAAAMBAJ&q=Dangerous%20Minds%20Michelle%20Pfeiffer&pg=PA64 |title=Movies to See |magazine=Jet |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|issn=0021-5996 |volume=88 |number=15 |date=August 21, 1995 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> co-produced by her company. She appeared as her character in the music video for the soundtrack's lead single, "[[Gangsta's Paradise (song)|Gangsta's Paradise]]" by [[Coolio]], featuring [[L.V. (singer)|L.V.]]; the song won the 1996 [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance]],<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GDgDAAAAMBAJ&q=Gangsta's%20Paradise%20grammy%20award&pg=PA34 |title=Big Winners at 38th Grammy Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles |journal=Jet |issn=0021-5996|volume=89|number=18 |date=March 18, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> and the video won the [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YzkDAAAAMBAJ&q=Gangsta's%20Paradise%20mtv%20award&pg=PA62 |title=Rap star Coolio, Fugees with win at MTV Awards |magazine=Jet |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|issn=0021-5996|volume=90|number=19 |date=September 23, 1996 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> While ''Dangerous Minds'' received negative reviews, it was a box office success, grossing $179.5&nbsp;million around the globe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=dangerousminds.htm|title=Dangerous Minds (1995) - Box Office Mojo|website=www.boxofficemojo.com}}</ref> In 1996, Pfeiffer portrayed Sally Atwater in the romantic drama ''[[Up Close and Personal (film)|Up Close & Personal]]'', with [[Robert Redford]],<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,286973,00.html | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | title=Book Review: Monster, by Joan Didion, John Gregory Dunne | date=March 7, 1997 | access-date=April 17, 2020 | archive-date=October 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021172639/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,286973,00.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> took on the titular role in the drama ''[[To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday]]'', which was adapted by her husband David Kelley from Michael Brady's play of the same name,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/18/movies/gone-but-not-forgotten.html|title=Gone but Not Forgotten|first=Janet |last=Maslin |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=February 15, 2024|date=October 18, 1996}}</ref> and served as an executive producer and starred as the divorced single mother architect Melanie Parker in the romantic comedy ''[[One Fine Day (1996 film)|One Fine Day]]'', with [[George Clooney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://allmovie.com/work/one-fine-day-136612 |title=One Fine Day |website=AllMovie |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref>

Subsequent performances included Rose Cook Lewis in the film adaptation of [[Jane Smiley]]'s [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning novel ''[[A Thousand Acres (film)|A Thousand Acres]]'' (1997) with [[Jessica Lange]] and [[Jennifer Jason Leigh]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/thousand_acres/ |title=A Thousand Acres Movie Reviews, Pictures |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=May 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228194318/http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/thousand_acres/ |archive-date=February 28, 2007 }}</ref> Beth Cappadora in ''[[The Deep End of the Ocean (film)|The Deep End of the Ocean]]'' (1998) about a married couple who found their son who was kidnapped nine years ago;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/deependoftheoceanhowe.htm |first=Desson |last=Howe |title='The Deep End of the Ocean' (PG-13) |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 12, 1999 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> [[Titania (A Midsummer Night's Dream)|Titania]] the Queen of the Fairies in ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999 film)|A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'' (1999) with [[Kevin Kline]], [[Rupert Everett]] and [[Stanley Tucci]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/film/051499dream-film-review.html |first=Janet |last=Maslin|author-link=Janet Maslin|title=''A Midsummer Night's Dream'': A 'Dream' of Foolish Mortals |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 14, 1999 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> and Katie Jordan in [[Rob Reiner]]'s comedy drama ''[[The Story of Us (1999 film)|The Story of Us]]'' (1999) with [[Bruce Willis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://allmovie.com/work/the-story-of-us-180987 |title=The Story of Us (film) |website=AllMovie |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> ''A Thousand Acres'' and ''The Deep End of the Ocean'' were also produced by Via Rosa Productions. Pfeiffer voiced [[Tzipporah]], a shepherdess who becomes the wife of Moses (voiced by [[Val Kilmer]]), in [[DreamWorks Animation]]'s ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' (1998), a musical adaptation based on the [[Book of Exodus]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Sullivan|first=Michael|date=December 18, 1998|title=High Fidelity From 'Prince'|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/movies/reviews/princeofegyptosullivan.htm?movieslede=y|access-date=November 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lovell|first=Glenn|date=December 10, 1998|title=Film Review: 'The Prince of Egypt'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/1998/film/reviews/the-prince-of-egypt-1117487966/|access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref> She also recorded the film's theme song "[[When You Believe]]",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welkos |first=Robert W. |date=February 24, 1999 |title=Oscar's Big Song Squabble |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-24-ca-11051-story.html |access-date=December 20, 2023}}</ref> for which songwriter [[Stephen Schwartz]] won the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeend |first=Adam J. |author-link=Adam J. Yeend |date=Aug 1, 2023 |title='The Prince of Egypt' Directors Look Back on Their Animated Landmark 25 Years Later (Exclusive) |url=https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/the-prince-of-egypt-25-year-anniversary-interview |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=[[Oscars.org]]}}</ref> ''The Prince of Egypt'' was released to critical and commercial success,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Rick |date=December 15, 1999 |title=Prince of Egypt, The |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/prince-of-egypt-the |access-date=December 21, 2023}}</ref> but [[Kenneth Turan]] found the film's modernization of Pfeiffer's character into a "feisty [[Protofeminism|protofeminist]]" to be problematic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Turan |date=December 18, 1992 |title='Egypt': The Newest Testament |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-18-ca-55112-story.html |access-date=December 20, 2023}}</ref>

===2000s===
Pfeiffer began to dissolve her film production company, Via Rosa Productions, in 1999, and moved into semi-retirement to spend more quality time with her children and family. Pfeiffer handed her producing partner Guinzburg one final film to produce under the Via Rosa Productions header. The film was called ''[[Original Sin (2001 film)|Original Sin]]'' (2001). It was originally intended to star Pfeiffer, who later changed her mind as she was looking to work less for a while. The film was produced by her company, but instead starred [[Angelina Jolie]] and [[Antonio Banderas]].

In ''[[What Lies Beneath]]'' (2000), a [[Hitchcockian]] thriller directed by [[Robert Zemeckis]], Pfeiffer and [[Harrison Ford]] starred as a well-to-do couple who experience a strange haunting that uncovers secrets about their past. While critical response towards the film was mixed, it opened atop at the box office,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2000/WLIES.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911172310/http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2000/WLIES.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |title=What Lies Beneath |publisher=Nash Information Services, LLC |website=The Numbers.com |access-date=October 24, 2008 }}</ref> and went on to gross $291&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=whatliesbeneath.htm |title=What Lies Beneath (2000) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> She then accepted the role of Rita Harrison, a highly strung lawyer helping a father with a [[developmental disability]], in the drama ''[[I Am Sam]]'' (2001), with [[Sean Penn]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://allmovie.com/work/i-am-sam-257356 |title=I Am Sam |website=AllMovie |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> Despite grossing $97.8&nbsp;million worldwide,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=iamsam.htm |title=I Am Sam (2001) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> the film was unfavorably reviewed by critics;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/i-am-sam/critic-reviews |title=I Am Sam |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc. |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'' wrote: "Pfeiffer, apparently stymied by the bland clichés that prop up her screechy role, delivers her flattest, phoniest performance ever."<ref>{{cite news |last=Axmaker |first=Sean |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/I-am-Sam-wallows-in-melodramatic-mush-1078320.php |title='I am Sam' wallows in melodramatic mush |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |publisher=Hearst Communications Inc. |date=January 24, 2002 |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> Meanwhile, ''[[SF Gate]]'' observed: "In one scene, she breaks down in tears as she unburdens herself to him about her miserable life. It's hard not to cringe, watching this emotionally ready actress fling herself headlong into false material."<ref>{{cite news |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |url=http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Penn-plays-sad-Sam-He-s-full-of-integrity-as-2880088.php |title=Penn plays sad 'Sam' / He's full of integrity as retarded father |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=January 25, 2002}}</ref>

Pfeiffer took on the role of a murderous artist, named Ingrid Magnussen, in the drama ''[[White Oleander (film)|White Oleander]]'' (2002), with [[Alison Lohman]] (in her film debut), [[Renée Zellweger]] and [[Robin Wright]]. The film was a critical and commercial success in its arthouse release. [[Stephen Holden]] of ''The New York Times'' wrote that "Ms. Pfeiffer, giving the most complex screen performance of her career, makes her Olympian seductress at once irresistible and diabolical."<ref>{{cite news | first=Stephen | last=Holden | title=Slowly, A Princess Turns Into An Urchin | date=October 11, 2002 |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C03EFDD173AF932A25753C1A9649C8B63 |newspaper=New York Times |access-date =October 23, 2008}}</ref> [[Kenneth Turan]] of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' described her as "incandescent", bringing "power and unshakable will to her role as mother-master manipulator" in a "riveting, impeccable performance".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-oct-11-et-white11-story.html |date=October 11, 2002 |title=Artful 'Oleander' needs more compelling voice |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |first=Kenneth |last=Turan |access-date=June 29, 2008}}</ref> She earned Best Supporting Actress Awards from the [[San Diego Film Critics Society]] and the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, as well as a [[Screen Actors Guild]] Award nomination.

In 2003, Pfeiffer lent her voice for the character of goddess of chaos [[Eris (mythology)|Eris]] in ''[[Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas]]'', an animated film featuring [[Brad Pitt]] as the voice of [[Sinbad the Sailor]]. She had struggles with finding the character's villainies. Initially the character was "too sexual", then she lacked fun. After a third rewrite, Pfeiffer called producer [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] and told him "You know, you really can fire me," but he assured her that this was just part of the process.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas Preview |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/04/25/sinbad-legend-seven-seas/ |access-date=January 18, 2014 |newspaper=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 25, 2003 |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927152532/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,444346,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the release of the film, she took a four-year hiatus from acting, during which she remained largely out of the public eye to devote time to her husband and children.<ref name="CBS News-2007" /> During this time, she turned down the role of the White Witch in the fantasy film ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe]]'' (2005), which went to [[Tilda Swinton]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/white-witch-shares-her-love-potion-with-two-men-bdnf0wcn0rr |title=White Witch shares her love potion with two men |publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=February 17, 2008 |access-date=January 18, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer 2007.jpg|thumb|upright|Pfeiffer at the premiere of ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]'' in 2007]]

Pfeiffer returned to cinemas in 2007 with villainous roles in two summer blockbusters, ''[[Hairspray (2007 film)|Hairspray]]'' and ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]'',  which was hailed as a successful comeback by the media.<ref name="Irish Independent-2007">{{Cite web|date=July 16, 2007|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: The former beauty queen is back after a five-year break|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-the-former-beauty-queen-is-back-after-a-five-year-break-26438605.html|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=[[Irish Independent]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 15, 2007|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Returns to Big Screen after 3-Year Hiatus|url=https://extratv.com/2007/03/15/michelle-pfeiffer-returns-to-big-screen-after-3-year-hiatus/|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=[[Extra (American TV program)|Extra]]}}</ref><ref name="Netburn-2008">{{Cite web|last1=Netburn|first1=Deborah|last2=Victorio|first2=Lora|date=January 1, 2008|title=Hits and misses along the comeback trail|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-01-et-comebacks1-story.html|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref name="CBS News-2007">{{Cite web|date=October 4, 2007|title=Michelle Pfeiffer's Eternal Beauty|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-pfeiffers-eternal-beauty/|access-date=March 26, 2021|website=[[CBS News]]|quote="Stardust" and her role this summer in the movie "Hairspray" mark a comeback for Pfeiffer after five years away from the big screen. She has proved she is still striking on camera and popular with audiences, putting her in a stronger position than ever as an actress.}}</ref> In the former, a film adaptation of the [[Hairspray (musical)|Broadway musical of the same name]], she starred alongside [[John Travolta]], [[Christopher Walken]] and [[Queen Latifah]] as Velma Von Tussle,<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 19, 2007|title=Hairspray|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/hairspray-159308|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> the racist manager of a television station.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Scott|first=A. O.|author-link=A. O. Scott|date=July 19, 2007|title=Review: In 'Hairspray,' a celebration of youth and a guileless era|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/arts/19iht-fmreview27.1.6728332.html|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Although a fan of Pfeiffer's work in the musicals ''Grease 2'' and ''The Fabulous Baker Boys'', director [[Adam Shankman]] cast Pfeiffer largely based on her performance in ''Batman Returns'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sims|first=James|date=June 28, 2007|title=Dishing with 'Hairspray' Film Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Dishing-with-Hairspray-Film-Cast-Michelle-Pfeiffer-20070628|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> claiming she was his first and only choice for Velma.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Roger|date=August 19, 2007|title=Pfeiffer back on screen with vengeance|url=https://www.deseret.com/2007/8/19/20035921/pfeiffer-back-on-screen-with-vengeance|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> Although she had fun with the part, Pfeiffer described Velma as the most difficult role she had played at the time, because of her character's racism; but she was drawn to the film's important message of anti-bigotry, accepting that "in order to do a movie about racism, somebody has got to be the racist".<ref name="Irish Independent-2007" /> Released to widely positive reviews, ''Hairspray'' grossed $202.5&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hairspray07.htm |title=Hairspray (2007) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> Pfeiffer's performance was also critically acclaimed,<ref name="Moore-2007">{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Roger |date=August 9, 2007 |title=Pfeiffer wins acclaim in return to films |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/features/pfeiffer-wins-acclaim-in-return-to-films/article_b0586bd8-fa77-5e2b-998b-dd69e50c9b32.html |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=[[The Post and Courier]] |quote=one of the most beautiful women in the movies}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Liz|date=June 5, 2007|title=Michelle Pfeiffer — What She Did for Love|url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirational-stories/interviews/a17389/michelle-pfeiffer-0707/|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=[[Good Housekeeping]]}}</ref> with film critic [[David Edelstein]] of [[NPR]] calling her "sublime".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Edelstein|first=David|author-link=David Edelstein|date=July 20, 2007|title=Hollywood's Musical 'Hairspray,' a Little Too Bouffant|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12122633|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=[[NPR]]}}</ref> The cast of ''Hairspray'' was nominated for the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast in a Motion Picture]], and won the [[Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Cast]], the [[Hollywood Film Festival]] Award for Ensemble of the Year, and the [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]] Award for Ensemble Cast. In the fantasy adventure ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]'', Pfeiffer plays [[Lamia (Stardust)|Lamia]], an ancient witch who hunts a fallen star ([[Claire Danes]]) in search of eternal youth.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://allmovie.com/work/stardust-345070/cast |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707074412/http://allmovie.com/work/stardust-345070/cast |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |title=Stardust |website=AllMovie |access-date=May 1, 2011 }}</ref> The film received mostly positive reviews but performed moderately at the box office,<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 13, 2007|title="Rush Hour 3" Wins At Box Office|work=[[CBS News]]|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rush-hour-3-wins-at-box-office/|access-date=November 11, 2021|quote=The other movie premiering this weekend was "Stardust," a well-reviewed adult fairy tale with Michelle Pfeiffer.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 12, 2007|title='Rush Hour 3' roars to top of film box office|work=[[CTV News]]|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/rush-hour-3-roars-to-top-of-film-box-office-1.251648|access-date=November 11, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111170804/https://www.ctvnews.ca/rush-hour-3-roars-to-top-of-film-box-office-1.251648|url-status=dead}}</ref> earning $135.5&nbsp;million globally.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=stardust.htm |title=Stardust Box Office Mojo |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] | quote=Production Budget: $70 million |date=August 20, 2007 |access-date=February 14, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' film critic [[Stephen Holden]] described Pfeiffer as "as deliciously evil a witch as the movies have ever invented", writing that she "goes for broke with the relish of a star who figures she has nothing to lose."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holden|first=Stephen|author-link=Stephen Holden|date=August 10, 2007|title=When Stars (Celestial) Fall, and Stars (Hollywood) Fly|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/10/movies/10star.html|access-date=August 24, 2021|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

Pfeiffer starred in [[Amy Heckerling]]'s romantic comedy ''[[I Could Never Be Your Woman]]'' (2007), with [[Paul Rudd]] and [[Saoirse Ronan]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schwartz |first=Missy |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/02/01/amy-heckerlings-production-conflicts/ |title=Would You Dump This Woman? |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |issue=#977 |date=February 8, 2008 |access-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923101639/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20175469,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> portraying Rosie, a forty-year-old divorced mother working as a scriptwriter and producer for a television show who falls in love with a much younger man (Rudd). Her reported salary was $1&nbsp;million, with an advance on fifteen percent of the gross. However, the film was only distributed on [[home video]] markets domestically.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/02/01/amy-heckerlings-production-conflicts/ |title=Would You Dump This Woman? |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> Reviews for ''I Could Never Be Your Woman'' were moderately positive,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_could_never_be_your_woman/ |title=I Could Never Be Your Woman |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> with critic [[James Berardinelli]] finding Pfeiffer and Rudd to "have adequate chemistry to pull off the romance," in what he described as an "enjoyable romantic comedy that has enough going for it to make it worth a recommendation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/i/i_could.html |title=Review: I Could Never Be Your Woman |website=Reel Views.net |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> Pfeiffer starred in ''[[Personal Effects (2008 film)|Personal Effects]]'', with [[Ashton Kutcher]], playing two grieving people coping with the pain and frustration of their loss whose bond spawns an unlikely romance. The drama premiered at [[Iowa City]]'s Englert Theatre in December 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/iowa/2008-12-12-1781140457_x.htm |title=2011 Movie preview: 'No strings attached' |first=Luke |last=Meredith |publisher=Gannett Company, Inc. |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref>

Her next film, an adaptation of [[Colette]]'s ''[[Chéri (2009 film)|Chéri]]'', reunited her with the director ([[Stephen Frears]]) and screenwriter ([[Christopher Hampton]]) of ''Dangerous Liaisons'' (1988). Pfeiffer played the role of aging retired [[courtesan]] Léa de Lonval, with [[Rupert Friend]] in the title role, with Kathy Bates as his mother. ''Chéri'' premiered at the 2009 [[Berlin International Film Festival]], where it received a nomination for the [[Golden Bear]] award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michelle Pfeiffer beweist in Chéri Mut zur Falte |url=https://www.welt.de/kultur/article3181917/Michelle-Pfeiffer-beweist-in-Cheri-Mut-zur-Falte.html |newspaper=[[Die Welt]]|date=February 10, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2011|language=de}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' of London reviewed the film favorably, describing Hampton's screenplay as a "steady flow of dry quips and acerbic one-liners" and Pfeiffer's performance as "magnetic and subtle, her worldly nonchalance a mask for vulnerability and heartache".<ref>{{cite news |first=Stephen |last=Dalton |title=''Chéri'' review |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article5703857.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616194823/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article5703857.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=March 1, 2009 | location=London}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] in the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' wrote that it was "fascinating to observe how Pfeiffer controls her face and voice during times of painful hurt".<ref>{{cite news |first=Roger |last=Ebert|author-link=Roger Ebert|title=''Chéri'' review |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090624/REVIEWS/906249987/1023 |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |archive-date=May 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507135408/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cheri-2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Kenneth Turan]] in the ''Los Angeles Times'' praised the "wordless scenes that catch Léa unawares, with the camera alone seeing the despair and regret that she hides from the world. It's the kind of refined, delicate acting Pfeiffer does so well, and it's a further reminder of how much we've missed her since she's been away."<ref>{{cite news |first=Kenneth |last=Turan |title=Chéri review |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-cheri26-2009jun26,0,4760003.story |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628184010/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-cheri26-2009jun26%2C0%2C4760003.story |archive-date=June 28, 2009 }}</ref>

===2010s===
Following a two-year sabbatical from acting, Pfeiffer made part of a large ensemble cast in [[Garry Marshall]]'s ensemble romantic comedy ''[[New Year's Eve (2011 film)|New Year's Eve]]'' (2011), her second collaboration with Marshall after ''Frankie and Johnny''. The film, also starring [[Halle Berry]], [[Jessica Biel]], [[Robert De Niro]], [[Josh Duhamel]], [[Zac Efron]], [[Sarah Jessica Parker]], and [[Sofía Vergara]], among many others, saw her take on the supporting role of Ingrid Withers, an overwhelmed secretary befriending a deliveryman (Efron). While the film was panned by critics, it made $142&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=newyearseve.htm |title=New Year's Eve (2011) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> In 2012, she appeared with [[Chris Pine]] and [[Elizabeth Banks]] in the drama ''[[People Like Us (2012 film)|People Like Us]]'', as the mother of a struggling New York City corporate trader (Pine). ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' found her to be "luminous" in the film,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/people-like-us-20120628 |title=People Like Us |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=November 13, 2017 |date=June 28, 2012 |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113815/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/people-like-us-20120628 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ''The New York Times'', positively pointing out Pfeiffer and Banks, noted that their performances "partly compensate for the holes in a story whose timing is hard to swallow".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/movies/people-like-us-with-chris-pine.html |title='People Like Us,' With Chris Pine |first=Stephen |last=Holden |date=June 28, 2012 |newspaper=New York Times |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> ''People Like Us'' debuted to $4.26&nbsp;million, described as "meager" by [[Box Office Mojo]], and only made $12&nbsp;million in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3476&p=.htm |title=Weekend Report: 'Ted' Gets High, 'Mike' Scores |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref>

Pfieffer reunited with Tim Burton, her ''Batman Returns'' director, in ''[[Dark Shadows (film)|Dark Shadows]]'' (2012), based on the [[Gothic fiction|gothic]] television soap opera [[Dark Shadows|of the same name]]. In the film, co-starring [[Johnny Depp]], [[Eva Green]], [[Helena Bonham Carter]] and [[Chloë Grace Moretz]], she played [[Elizabeth Collins Stoddard]], the matriarch of the Collins family. Critical response towards the film was mixed, but writers acclaimed the actors' performances—most notably Depp and Pfeiffer's. ''IGN'' found her to be "commanding" in her role and felt that the main characters were "played by one of Burton's best ensemble casts yet".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/2012/05/09/dark-shadows-review-2 |title=Dark Shadows Review |last=Vejvoda |first=Jim |date=May 9, 2012 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 26, 2012}}</ref> While ''Dark Shadows'' grossed a modest $79.7&nbsp;million in North America, it ultimately made $245.5&nbsp;million globally.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=darkshadows.htm |title=Dark Shadows (2012) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> In [[Luc Besson]]'s mob-comedy ''[[The Family (2013 film)|The Family]]'' (2013), co-starring Robert De Niro, [[Tommy Lee Jones]], [[Dianna Agron]] and [[John D'Leo]], she played the "tough mother" in a Mafia family wanting to change their lives under the [[witness protection program]].<ref>[http://www.overallsite.com/2012/05/michelle-pfeiffer-talks-join-robert-de-niro-malavita/ "Michelle Pfeiffer in Talks to Join Robert De Niro in 'Malavita'"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106205902/http://www.overallsite.com/2012/05/michelle-pfeiffer-talks-join-robert-de-niro-malavita/ |date=November 6, 2013 }} Overallsite</ref> Although reviews for the film were mixed, ''[[KTHV|THV11]]'' said on the cast's portrayals: "The core actors of ''The Family'' were really solid, and the whole film comes together to make a solid movie."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thv11.com/news/article/279524/143/Todays-Box-Office-The-Family |title=Today's Box Office: The Family |website=thv11.com |date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018050259/http://www.thv11.com/news/article/279524/143/Todays-Box-Office-The-Family |archive-date=October 18, 2013  }}</ref> An article in ''[[HuffPost]]'' said that "De Niro, Pfieffer and Jones all brought 100% to their roles."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ijust-seen-iti-ithe-famil_b_3926281 |title=Just Seen It: The Family Movie Review |first=Zorianna |last=Kit | work=[[HuffPost]] |date=September 14, 2013}}</ref> The film grossed $78.4&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=malavita.htm |title=The Family (2013) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref>

{{quote box|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|width=25em|align=left|quote=The only trepidation was I think I took for granted how nice it was to not be under the spotlight and just having a life. I remember thinking, "Do I really want to step back into this?" And I just realized that I'm not done. I have a lot more to do, and a lot more to say. I'm never going to be one that retires.|source= — Pfeiffer on her comeback, 2017<ref name="nyt">{{cite news |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: 'I'm Always Afraid of Failing' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/02/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-murder-on-the-orient-express-mother.html |access-date=November 5, 2017|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 2, 2017}}</ref>}}

Pfeiffer stated that her lack of acting throughout the 2000s was due to several reasons, including family matters and her approach to choosing roles.<ref>{{cite magazine | last=Miller | first=Julie | title=Michelle Pfeiffer Reveals Why She "Disappeared" from Hollywood | magazine=Vanity Fair | date=March 28, 2017 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/03/michelle-pfeiffer-hollywood | access-date=April 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=[[Live! with Kelly and Michael]] |series=Live with Kelly and Michael |network=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |airdate=September 11, 2013}}</ref> She stated she was intending to "work a lot" once her children left for college,<ref name="thefamilynyc">{{cite web |url=http://watch.accesshollywood.com/video/michelle-pfeiffer-dreading-her-soon-to-be-empty-nest/2665260099001 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer 'Dreading' Her Soon-To-Be-Empty Nest |website=[[Access Hollywood]] |access-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926061210/http://watch.accesshollywood.com/video/michelle-pfeiffer-dreading-her-soon-to-be-empty-nest/2665260099001 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 }}</ref> mentioning that she felt her best performance was "still in her", saying how that's what she felt kept her going.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2012/06/people-like-us-michelle-pfeiffer-my-best-performance-is-still-in-me.html |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: 'My best performance is still in me' |date=June 20, 2012 |website=Zap2it |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720021834/http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2012/06/people-like-us-michelle-pfeiffer-my-best-performance-is-still-in-me.html |archive-date=July 20, 2013 }}</ref>

In the independent drama ''[[Where Is Kyra?]]'' (2017), Pfeiffer starred as a sensitive and fragile woman who loses her mother and "faces a crisis in which she must find a means for survival, all the while hiding her struggles from her new lover". The film premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] on January 23, 2017, and received a limited release on April 6, 2018,<ref>{{cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/sundance-2017-premieres-midnight-special-events-robert-redford-rashida-jones-1201864406/ |title=Sundance 2017: Robert Redford, New Rashida Jones Netflix Series, 'Rebel In The Rye' & More On Premiere, Docu, Midnight & Kids Slates |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=December 5, 2016}}</ref> to critical acclaim;<ref>{{cite web |last=Edelstein |first=David |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/04/where-is-kyra-review.html |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Is Stunning in Where Is Kyra? |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]] |date=April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Weitzman |first=Elizabeth |url=https://www.thewrap.com/where-is-kyra-film-review-michelle-pfeiffer-keifer-sutherland |title='Where Is Kyra?' Film Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Shines in Dark Indie Drama |website=[[The Wrap]] |date=April 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kinane |first=Ruth |url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/04/03/where-is-kyra-review |title=Michelle Pfeiffer is brilliant in bleak drama Where Is Kyra?: EW review |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=April 3, 2018}}</ref> Her role as ''Kyra'' was called the "performance of her life" by ''[[The Village Voice|Village Voice]]'''s Bilge Ebiri,<ref>{{cite web |last=Patten |first=Bilge |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/04/02/michelle-pfeiffer-gives-the-performance-of-her-life-in-where-is-kyra/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025931/https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/04/02/michelle-pfeiffer-gives-the-performance-of-her-life-in-where-is-kyra/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Gives the Performance of Her Life in "Where Is Kyra?" |website=[[The Village Voice]] |date=April 2, 2018}}</ref> and "the performance of her career", by ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fear |first=David |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/where-is-kyra-movie-review-michelle-pfeiffer-w518646 |title='Where Is Kyra?' Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Gives the Performance of Her Career |website=[[The Village Voice]] |date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025945/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/where-is-kyra-movie-review-michelle-pfeiffer-w518646 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Pfeiffer landed the role of [[Ruth Madoff]] for the [[HBO Films]] drama ''[[The Wizard of Lies]]'' (2017), based on the book of the same name. The film, directed by [[Barry Levinson]], reunites her with actor Robert De Niro, who played her husband, disgraced financier [[Bernard Madoff]].<ref>[https://deadline.com/2015/08/wizard-of-lies-madoff-movie-michelle-pfeiffer-alessandro-nivola-cast-robert-de-niro-barry-levinson-1201508246/ "HBO's 'Wizard Of Lies' Madoff Movie A Go With Michelle Pfeiffer, Alessandro Nivola Joining Robert De Niro; Barry Levinson To Direct"] Deadline</ref> ''The Wizard of Lies'' premiered on [[HBO]] on May 20, 2017, garnering favorable reviews from critics and an audience of 1.5&nbsp;million viewers, HBO's largest premiere viewership for a film in four years.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title=Madoff Movie 'Wizard Of Lies' Draws Largest Premiere Viewership For HBO Film In 4 Years |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/wizard-of-lies-hbo-premiere-ratings-madoff-movie-1202100882/ |access-date=May 24, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=May 23, 2017 |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525032654/http://deadline.com/2017/05/wizard-of-lies-hbo-premiere-ratings-madoff-movie-1202100882/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Tolucan Times'' remarked that Pfeiffer "steals the show as Madoff's wife, Ruth, and is a remarkable lookalike",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tonymedley.com/2017/The_Wizard_of_Lies.htm |title=The Wizard of Lies |website=tonymedley.com |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> while ''Los Angeles Times'' asserted: "As Ruth, Pfeiffer convincingly portrays a pampered woman left with utterly nothing —she's lost her homes, status and, most important, her relationship with her sons."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-wizard-of-lies-review-20170520-story.html |title=Robert De Niro plays an oddly convincing Madoff in HBO's 'Wizard of Lies' |first=Lorraine |last=Ali |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> She received a nomination for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Movie]], in addition to a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award]] nomination.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://moviepilot.com/p/michelle-pfeiffer-emmy-nomination-wizard-of-lies/4319693 |title=She's Back, People: Michelle Pfeiffer Scores First Emmy Nomination For HBO's 'Wizard Of Lies' |website=Moviepilot.com |date=July 14, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904152820/https://moviepilot.com/p/michelle-pfeiffer-emmy-nomination-wizard-of-lies/4319693 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Here are the nominees for the 75th Golden Globe Awards |url=http://envelope.latimes.com/awards/golden-globes/2018/ |access-date=December 12, 2017 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer Mother Press Conference.jpg|thumb|upright|Pfeiffer speaking at an event for ''[[Mother!]]'' at the [[2017 Venice Film Festival]]]]

In [[Darren Aronofsky]]'s psychological horror film ''[[Mother!]]'' (2017), Pfeiffer portrayed one of the mysterious guests who interrupt the tranquil life of a couple, played by [[Jennifer Lawrence]] and [[Javier Bardem]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michelle-pfeiffer-domhnall-gleeson-joining-884348 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson Joining Jennifer Lawrence in Darren Aronofsky Drama |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2016}}</ref> Although ''Mother!'' divided critics and audiences,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/mother-buzz-is-darren-aronofskys-latest-the-years-most-controversial-movie/|title=mother! Buzz: Is Darren Aronofsky's Latest the Year's Most Controversial Movie?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mother_2017/|title=mother!|via=www.rottentomatoes.com}}</ref> reviewers praised Pfeiffer unanimously,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/laura-dern-michelle-pfeiffer-best-actresses-2017|title=From Laura Dern to Michelle Pfeiffer, 2017 Was the Year of the Comeback|last=Munzenrieder|first=Kyle|date=December 27, 2017|website=W|access-date=May 16, 2018|quote=September's mother! may have been the most divisive movie of the year, but it seems the one thing we all could agree on was, 'You know, it's really nice to have Michelle Pfeiffer back.'}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/info-2018/michelle-pfeiffer-interview.html|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: 'I Don't Need to Look Younger'|last=Appelo|first=Tim|date=April 9, 2018|website=AARP|access-date=May 17, 2018|quote=[Pfeiffer] earned A-plus reviews in a baffling flick that got an F on Cinemascore.}}</ref> and some found her performance worthy of an Oscar nomination.<ref name="release">{{cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Matt |title=Paramount Pulls Brad Pitt's 'World War Z 2,' 'Friday the 13th' Reboot From Schedule |url=https://www.thewrap.com/world-war-z-2-friday-13th-pulled-from-paramount-schedule/ |date=February 6, 2017 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref name="Krizanovich-2017">{{Cite web |last=Krizanovich |first=Karen |date=September 11, 2017 |title=Hollywood's most underrated actress makes a sensational return |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/mother/most-underrated-actress/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/mother/most-underrated-actress/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2020 |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |quote=Talk on the film circuit is that Pfeiffer's star-blasting turn in mother! is a stand-out – and could even get the 59 year-old an Oscar win.}}</ref> ''[[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]]'' remarked: "Out of the main actors, it's Pfeiffer who is able to root the character in meaning — she bracingly marries the exploration of Biblical creation, mythological overtones, and hellish domestic commentary. There's a gravity to Pfeiffer's performance that allows her to succeed where the other main actors fail, save for brief spurts — she straddles the boundaries between embodying a symbol and granting the character enough interiority to feel like a flesh and blood woman, too."<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/09/michelle-pfeiffer-is-the-mvp-of-mother.html | title=Michelle Pfeiffer is the MVP of Mother!| date=September 18, 2017}}</ref>

Pfeiffer played a widowed socialite in [[Kenneth Branagh]]'s ''[[Murder on the Orient Express (2017 film)|Murder on the Orient Express]]'' (2017), the fourth screen adaptation of [[Agatha Christie]]'s 1934 [[Murder on the Orient Express|novel of the same name]]. Featuring an [[ensemble cast]], the [[mystery film]] follows world-renowned detective [[Hercule Poirot]] (Branagh) attempting to solve a murder, while stranded with several suspects on the [[Orient Express]] during the 1930s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Emery |first1=Dawn |date=November 2, 2017 |title='Murder on the Orient Express': Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer Dish on All-Star Remake at London Premiere |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/scene/vpage/murder-on-the-orient-express-kenneth-branagh-michelle-pfeiffer-london-premiere-judi-dench-1202605798/ |access-date=May 22, 2019}}</ref> She also recorded the original song "Never Forget" for the film's soundtrack. The film grossed $351.7&nbsp;million worldwide and received decent reviews from critics, with praise for the performances, but criticism for not adding anything new to previous adaptations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/murder-on-the-orient-express-mostly-stays-on-track/|title=Murder on the Orient Express Mostly Stays on Track |first=Jeff |last=Giles |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref> Although some critics found its large cast underused, Pfeiffer's performance was praised, with [[Richard Roeper]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' saying she delivered the film's best performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roeper |first=Richard |date=November 8, 2018 |title=Others sent to back of train in Branagh's 'Murder on Orient Express' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/others-sent-to-back-of-train-in-branaghs-murder-on-orient-express/ |access-date=August 6, 2018 |website=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref> ''[[The New Yorker]]''{{'}}s [[Anthony Lane]] found that only Pfeiffer appears to be enjoying their material,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lane |first=Anthony |date=November 20, 2017 |title="Murder on the Orient Express" and "Thelma" |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/20/murder-on-the-orient-express-and-thelma |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=August 4, 2018}}</ref> while Mick LaSalle of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' credited the film with reminding audiences that she is one of the industry's best actresses.<ref name="LaSalle-2017">{{Cite web |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |author-link=Mick LaSalle |date=November 9, 2017 |title=A successful new stab at 'Murder on the Orient Express' |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/movies/article/A-successful-new-stab-at-Murder-on-the-Orient-12343368.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805052057/https://www.sfchronicle.com/movies/article/A-successful-new-stab-at-Murder-on-the-Orient-12343368.php |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |website=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]}}</ref> David Edelstein of ''Vulture'' described the actress as "a hoot and a half ... stealing every scene".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/11/murder-on-the-orient-express-review.html|title=Murder on the Orient Express Is a Mild Ride|last=Edelstein|first=David|date=November 10, 2017|website=Vulture|access-date=August 4, 2018}}</ref>

Pfeiffer debuted in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] as [[Janet van Dyne (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Janet van Dyne]], the original [[Wasp (character)|Wasp]], in the ''Ant-Man'' (2015) sequel ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp]]'' (2018).<ref>{{cite web|title=Ant-Man and the Wasp|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ant-manandthewasp.htm|access-date=July 12, 2018|website=Box Office Mojo|date=July 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|date=July 2, 2018|title='Ant-Man and the Wasp' Director on Wooing Michelle Pfeiffer and His Marvel Future|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ant-man-wasp-michelle-pfeiffer-had-be-convinced-join-1124434|access-date=March 6, 2021|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''<nowiki/>'''s [[Owen Gleiberman]] described her performance as "lovely" and "wistful",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/ant-man-and-the-wasp-review-paul-rudd-evangeline-lilly-1202858263/|title=Film Review: 'Ant-Man and the Wasp'|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|date=June 27, 2018|website=Variety|access-date=June 25, 2019}}</ref> while Josh Spiegel of [[/Film]] believed the film suffers from a lack of the actress.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/ant-man-and-the-wasp-review/|title='Ant-Man and the Wasp' Review: Marvel Delivers a Fun and Funny Palate Cleanser|last=Spiegel|first=Josh|date=June 27, 2018|website=/Film|access-date=January 25, 2019}}</ref> In 2019, Pfeiffer briefly reprised the role in ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Ben|date=May 4, 2019|title=All of the cameos in Avengers: Endgame|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/avengers-endgame-cameos-marvel-character-callbacks/|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> and starred alongside [[Angelina Jolie]] and [[Elle Fanning]] in the dark fantasy sequel ''[[Maleficent: Mistress of Evil]]'', playing the villainous Queen Ingrith.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michelle Pfeiffer in Talks to Join Angelina Jolie in 'Maleficent 2' (Exclusive)|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/michelle-pfieffer-angelina-jolie-maleficent-2-1202786677|access-date=April 27, 2018|website=Variety|date=April 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Levack|first=Chandler|date=October 17, 2019|title=Disney's Meet the Fockers-esque Maleficent: Mistress of Evil casts the laziest kind of spell|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-disneys-meet-the-fockers-esque-maleficent-mistress-of-evil-casts-the/|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Zoller Seitz|first=Matt|date=October 18, 2019|title=Maleficent: Mistress of Evil|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-movie-review-2019|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[RogerEbert.com]]}}</ref> Despite the film earning mixed reviews,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mendelson|first=Scott|date=October 15, 2019|title=Review: 'Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil' Resembles The Offspring Of An Unholy Union Between 'Gargoyles,' 'Aquaman' And 'Avatar'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/10/15/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-angelina-jolie-ella-fanning-michelle-pfeiffer-review-walt-disney-aquaman-avatar-gargoyles-avengers-endgame-lion-king-aladdin-jungle-book/?sh=355e91442891|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[Forbes.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Travers|first=Peter|date=October 17, 2019|title='Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' Is a Melted, Wannabe 'Frozen'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-wannabe-frozen-900336/|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> ''[[The Plain Dealer]]''<nowiki/>'s Laura DeMarco felt that both Jolie and Pfeiffer "clearly relish their roles."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Laura|first=DeMarco|date=October 16, 2019|title=Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer magnificent in 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' (review)|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/10/angelina-jolie-and-michelle-pfeiffer-magnificent-in-maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review.html|access-date=February 18, 2021|website=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref>

===2020s===
Pfeiffer headlined the dark comedy ''[[French Exit (2020 film)|French Exit]]'' (2020), based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by [[Patrick deWitt]], directed by [[Azazel Jacobs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Michelle Pfeiffer to Star in Azazel Jacobs' Dark Comedy 'French Exit'|url=https://collider.com/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-movie/|access-date=April 9, 2019|website=Variety|date=April 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="frenchexit">{{cite web|title=Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Azazel Jacobs' 'French Exit' Starring Michelle Pfeiffer & Lucas Hedges|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/sony-pictures-classics-acquires-azazel-jacobs-french-exit-starring-michelle-pfeiffer-lucas-hedges-1202728772/|access-date=September 7, 2019|website=Deadline|date=September 7, 2019}}</ref> In the film, which co-stars [[Lucas Hedges]] and [[Tracy Letts]], Pfeiffer played a widow who moves to [[Paris, France]], with her son (Hedges) and cat, who happens to be her reincarnated husband (Letts).<ref>{{cite web|title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges, Tracy Letts Join 'French Exit' Comedy|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/michelle-pfeiffer-lucas-hedges-tracy-letts-french-exit-1203204689/|access-date=May 11, 2019|website=Deadline|date=May 3, 2019}}</ref> The film premiered at the [[New York Film Festival]], to a positive reception.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 21, 2020|title=Interview: Michelle Pfeiffer on 'French Exit,' her new business and what she hated about the Catwoman costume|url=https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-ent-michelle-pfeiffer-interview-20201221-7flowdmumzg6vghwbotrzphuiq-story.html|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=[[The Morning Call]]}}</ref> Peter Debruge of ''Variety'' remarked that she gave a performance "for which she'll be remembered."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/french-exit-michelle-pfeiffer-lucas-hedges-new-york-film-festival-1234731557/|title='French Exit' With Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges to Close New York Film Festival|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Brent|last=Lang|date=August 11, 2020|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Debruge |first=Peter |title='French Exit' Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Makes a Clean Break, Delivering a Role for Which She'll Be Remembered |url= https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/french-exit-review-michelle-pfeiffer-1234800071/|date=October 10, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> Pfeiffer received a [[Golden Globe Award]] nomination for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical|Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical]] for her performance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nominations for the 78th Golden Globe Awards (2021) Announced|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/2021-nominations-78th-golden-globe-awards-have-been-announced|access-date=February 4, 2021|website=Golden Globe Awards|date=February 3, 2021}}</ref>

Pfeiffer portrayed former First Lady [[Betty Ford]] in the anthology drama television series ''[[The First Lady (American TV series)|The First Lady]]'', which premiered on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michelle Pfeiffer To Star As Betty Ford In 'The First Lady', Susanne Bier To Direct Showtime Anthology Series|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/michelle-pfeiffer-betty-ford-the-first-lady-showtime-anthology-series-susanne-bier-direct-1234677863/|access-date=January 21, 2021|website=Deadline|date=January 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/the-first-lady-release-date-showtime/|title=Showtime's Anthology Series 'The First Lady,' About Three Iconic White House Women, Will Premiere in 2022|website=Collider|first=Drew|last=Baumgartner|date=August 24, 2021|access-date=August 24, 2021}}</ref> The following year, she reprised the role of Janet van Dyne in ''[[Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-spoilers-michelle-pfeiffer-training/ |title=Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Star Michelle Pfeiffer Posts Intense Training Video |work=Comicbook.com |date=May 30, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref> [[Manohla Dargis]] declared her the film's M.V.P.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dargis |first=Manohla |author-link=Manohla Dargis |date=February 17, 2023 |title='Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Review: Splat |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-review.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213071939/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania-review.html |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

Pfeiffer is attached to star alongside [[Annette Bening]] in the psychological thriller, ''Turn of Mind'', set to be directed by [[Gideon Raff]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Annette Bening & Michelle Pfeiffer Team For Feature Adaptation Of Alice LaPlante's 'Turn Of Mind' – Cannes|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/annette-bening-michelle-pfeiffer-team-for-feature-adaptation-of-alice-laplantes-turn-of-mind-cannes-1202612446|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511013652/https://deadline.com/2019/05/annette-bening-michelle-pfeiffer-team-for-feature-adaptation-of-alice-laplantes-turn-of-mind-cannes-1202612446/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 11, 2019|access-date=May 11, 2019|website=Deadline|date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> In 2022, she was cast in ''Wild Four O'Clocks'', penned and directed by [[Peter Craig]], and produced by [[Marc Platt (producer)|Marc Platt]] and [[Adam Siegel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/michelle-pfeiffer-wild-four-o-clocks-peter-craig-cannes-1235141960/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer to Lead 'Wild Four O'Clocks' for 'The Batman' Writer Peter Craig and 'La La Land,' 'Drive' Producers|website=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Alex|last=Ritman|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref>

On March 18, 2024, it was announced that Pfeiffer had been cast in the [[Amazon MGM Studios|Amazon MGM]] holiday comedy, ''[[Oh. What. Fun.]]'' (2025)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/oh-what-fun-michelle-pfeiffer-michael-showalter-amazon-mgm-1235861503/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Showalter To Team For Amazon MGM Holiday Comedy 'Oh. What. Fun'|website=Deadline|first=Matt|last=Grobar|date=March 18, 2024|access-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref> On August 8, 2024, it was announced that she would star in, as well as executive produce, the ''[[Yellowstone (American TV series)|Yellowstone]]'' spin-off ''[[The Madison (TV series)|The Madison]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/michelle-pfeiffer-confirmed-taylor-sheridans-yellowstone-spinoff-madison-1236034518/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Confirmed To Headline Taylor Sheridan's 'Yellowstone' Spinoff 'Madison'|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref> On September 23, 2024, it was announced that Pfeiffer would star alongside [[Nicole Kidman]] and [[Elle Fanning]] in the [[Apple TV+]] television series, ''[[Margo's Got Money Troubles]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/michelle-pfeiffer-elle-fanning-nicole-kidman-apple-tv-series-margos-got-money-troubles-1236153542|title= Michelle Pfeiffer Joins Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman in Apple TV+ Series 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'|website=Variety|first=Joe|last=Otterson|date=September 23, 2024|access-date=September 23, 2024}}</ref> In 2025, she starred in the Christmas comedy ''[[Oh. What. Fun.]]'' as a Texan housewife whose feelings of being taken for granted by her family drive her to appear on a morning talk show.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Howard |first=Courtney |date=December 5, 2025 |title=‘Oh. What. Fun.’ Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Spreads Holiday Jeers in an Uninspired Ode to Underappreciated Moms |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/oh-what-fun-review-1236601462/ |access-date=December 8, 2025 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The film received negative reviews,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Agar |first=Chris |date=December 9, 2025 |title=Prime Video’s New Movie With Batman & Star Wars Franchise Stars Is an Instant Hit (Despite Bad Reviews) |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/prime-videos-new-movie-with-batman-star-wars-franchise-stars-is-an-instant-hit-despite-bad-reviews/ |access-date=December 18, 2025 |work=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> with reviewers agreeing remarking that Pfeiffer's performance was failed by the script.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |date=December 3, 2025 |title=Oh. What. Fun. review – Michelle Pfeiffer leads Amazon’s underbaked Christmas turkey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/03/oh-what-fun-review-michelle-pfeiffer-amazon-christmas-movie |access-date=December 18, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schager |first=Nick |date=December 5, 2025 |title=‘Oh. What. Fun.’: Someone Save Michelle Pfeiffer From This Soggy Holiday Comedy |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/oh-what-fun-save-michelle-pfeiffer-from-this-cheesy-christmas-movie/ |access-date=December 18, 2025 |work=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref>

==Acting style and reception==
Pfeiffer said she sometimes feels [[Impostor syndrome|fraudulent]] as an [[Drama school|untrained actor]] due to her lack of conventional schooling.<ref name="Krizanovich-2017" /> She credits director [[Milton Katselas]] with teaching her the difference between how an actor and their character would behave during the same scene.<ref name="Brown-2009">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Mick |date=April 20, 2009 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: interview |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/5158069/Michelle-Pfeiffer-interview.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011094832/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/5158069/Michelle-Pfeiffer-interview.html |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |quote=an actress who could portray inner conflict with her eyes and face better than any other film star of her generation}}</ref> Essayist [[Angelica Jade Bastién]] said Pfeiffer's talent disproves any argument that untrained actors are lesser than their trained peers.<ref name="Bastién-2017">{{Cite web |last=Bastién |first=Angelica Jade |author-link=Angelica Jade Bastién |date=June 26, 2017 |title=The 10 Essential Roles of Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-essential-roles.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929204347/http://www.vulture.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-essential-roles.html |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2017 |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]]}}</ref> Several film critics have described her as "a [[Character actor|character actress]] in a screen siren's body",<ref name="Brown-2009" /><ref name="Hirshey-1992">{{Cite magazine |last=Hirshey |first=Gerri |date=September 3, 1992 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: The Bat's Meow |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/michelle-pfeiffer-the-bats-meow-19920903 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424010553/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/michelle-pfeiffer-the-bats-meow-19920903 |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |access-date=April 23, 2017 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Clifton |first=Anthony |date=March 12, 2023 |title=10 Great Supporting Performances by Leading Actors |url=https://collider.com/great-leading-actors-supporting-performances/#michelle-pfeiffer-in-39-mother-39-2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718215709/https://collider.com/great-leading-actors-supporting-performances/#michelle-pfeiffer-in-39-mother-39-2017 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |quote=Michelle Pfeiffer is undoubtedly one of the most talented of her time.}}</ref><ref name="Syme-2021" /> with Bastién profiling her as "a character actress reluctantly placed in Hollywood’s lineage of blonde [[Bombshell (slang)|bombshells]]".<ref name=":1" /> Journalist [[James Kaplan]] reported that some critics feel Pfeiffer has undersold herself by choosing character roles instead of capitalizing on her beauty.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaplan |first=James |author-link=James Kaplan |date=January 27, 2014 |title=Up close with Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/01/27/close-michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125164016/https://ew.com/article/2014/01/27/close-michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> In 1993, film critic [[Ty Burr]] argued that her "unshowy performances work because they don’t call attention to themselves", although her attractiveness prevents her from being seriously considered "one of today’s best screen actresses".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Burr |first=Ty |author-link=Ty Burr |date=January 29, 1993 |title=A Michelle Pfeiffer filmography |url=https://ew.com/article/1993/01/29/michelle-pfeiffer-filmography/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416191056/https://ew.com/article/1993/01/29/michelle-pfeiffer-filmography/ |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Pfeiffer claims she rarely accepts glamorous roles because she finds few of them compelling.<ref name="Hirshey-1992" /> Although she prefers acting in dramas over comedies,<ref name="Mueller-2009">{{Cite news |last=Mueller |first=Matt |date=April 2009 |title=Face Forward |url=http://www.mattmueller.co.uk/pdfs/255-Interview.Pfeiffer.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406160106/http://www.mattmueller.co.uk/pdfs/255-Interview.Pfeiffer.pdf |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2021 |work= |via=Matt Mueller}}</ref> she does not have a favorite genre to perform in.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Macnab |first=Geoffrey |date=April 22, 2009 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: 'I never had a big game plan' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/apr/22/michelle-pfeiffer-cheri |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013061300/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/apr/22/michelle-pfeiffer-cheri |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

During the 1980s, Pfeiffer typically played smart, funny, and independent women,<ref name="Kaye-2016">{{Cite news |last=Kaye |first=Elizabeth |date=April 2, 2016 |title=The Stacks: Why It's So Hard to Be Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/02/the-stacks-why-it-s-so-hard-to-be-michelle-pfeiffer.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420161850/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/02/the-stacks-why-it-s-so-hard-to-be-michelle-pfeiffer.html |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref> and pursued a wider range of roles in the 1990s.<ref name="Marx-2023" /> Early in her career, she mostly played relatable [[working class]] women, aside from the occasional [[upper class]] character.<ref name="Syme-2021">{{Cite magazine |last=Syme |first=Rachel |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Chooses Carefully |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/michelle-pfeiffer-chooses-carefully |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009041230/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/michelle-pfeiffer-chooses-carefully |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |quote=proved herself to be one of the great actors of her generation}}</ref> She has admitted she enjoys playing imperfect, evil, and "slightly trashy" women.<ref name="Hirschberg-2021">{{Cite web |last=Hirschberg |first=Lynn |author-link=Lynn Hirschberg |date=February 23, 2021 |title=When It Comes to Acting, Michelle Pfeiffer Would Prefer Not To |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/michelle-pfeiffer-interview-french-exit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626202620/https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/michelle-pfeiffer-interview-french-exit |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2021 |website=[[W (magazine)|W]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Berk |first=Philip |author-link=Philip Berk |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer makes a comeback after a 10-year hiatus |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/08/09/michelle-pfeiffer-makes-a-comeback-after-a-10-year-hiatus.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411090712/https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/08/09/michelle-pfeiffer-makes-a-comeback-after-a-10-year-hiatus.html |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |work=[[The Jakarta Post]]}}</ref><ref name="Egan" /> In a 2021 profile, journalist [[Lynn Hirschberg]] said Pfeiffer excels in emotionally conflicted roles,<ref name="Hirschberg-2021" /> while Adam Platt of ''[[New Woman (magazine)|New Woman]]'' and journalist [[Bilge Ebiri]] agreed that she often plays emotionally detached women.<ref name="Platt-1997">{{Cite magazine |last=Platt |first=Adam |date=May 1, 1997 |title=Pfeiffer and Clooney get close – The real life of Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/pfeiffer-and-clooney-get-close-may-1997/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407173151/http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/pfeiffer-and-clooney-get-close-may-1997/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |magazine=[[New Woman (magazine)|New Woman]] |via=Gorgeous Pfeiffer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/film/where-is-kyra-movie-review-10221477|title=Is Where Is Kyra? the Best Michelle Pfeiffer Has Ever Been?|last=Ebiri|first=Bilge|author-link=Bilge Ebiri|date=April 13, 2018|website=[[Miami New Times]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517152931/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/film/where-is-kyra-movie-review-10221477|archive-date=May 17, 2018|access-date=May 16, 2018}}</ref> [[Backstage (magazine)|''Backstage'']] contributor Manuel Betancourt observed parallels between Pfeiffer's characters and her own determination to subvert expectations,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Betancourt |first=Manuel |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Isn't Done Defying Our Expectations |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-72416/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223085507/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-72416/ |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2021 |website=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]}}</ref> with the actress confirming that she searches new projects for relatability.<ref name="Sragow-2007">{{Cite web |last=Sragow |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Sragow |date=August 5, 2007 |title=What Lies Beneath |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2007-08-05-0708020278-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408075147/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2007-08-05-0708020278-story.html |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tapan |first=Barbaros |date=December 25, 2018 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: A successful actress, mother and businesswoman |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/arts-culture/2018/12/25/michelle-pfeiffer-a-successful-actress-mother-and-businesswoman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430202538/https://www.dailysabah.com/arts-culture/2018/12/25/michelle-pfeiffer-a-successful-actress-mother-and-businesswoman |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=June 18, 2019 |website=[[Daily Sabah]] |quote=Considered to be among the most talented actresses of her generation}}</ref> However, [[Town & Country (magazine)|''Town & Country'']] senior editor Adam Rathe finds Pfeiffer dissimilar to most of her characters.<ref name="Rathe-2021">{{Cite web |last=Rathe |first=Adam |date=February 17, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Is Playing the Long Game |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a35449203/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-interview-2021/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331001447/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a35449203/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-interview-2021/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=[[Town & Country (magazine)|Town & Country]]}}</ref> Known to be highly selective about potential projects,<ref name="Sragow-2007" /> Pfeiffer, according to [[IndieWire]] contributor Kate Erbland, carefully chooses unconventional roles to avoid being typecast.<ref name="Erbland-2021">{{Cite web|last=Erbland|first=Kate|date=February 25, 2021|title='French Exit' Star Michelle Pfeiffer Explains the Secret to Her Eclectic Career|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-catwoman-1234618989/|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=[[IndieWire]]|quote=Pfeiffer's Catwoman — long considered the gold standard cinematic version of the Bat-verse baddie}}</ref> Pfeiffer's colleagues have described her as extremely committed, competent, and prepared,<ref name="Hirshey-1992" /><ref name="Platt-1997" /> although she refuses to watch her own performances.<ref name="Haskell-2019" />

Pfeiffer has been called one of the greatest actresses of her generation.<ref>{{multiref|Various sources and publications citing Pfeiffer among the greatest or most talented actresses of her generation:
|{{Cite magazine |last=Syme |first=Rachel |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Chooses Carefully |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/michelle-pfeiffer-chooses-carefully |access-date=April 27, 2023 |quote=proved herself to be one of the great actors of her generation|ref=none}}
|{{Cite web |last=Clifton |first=Anthony |date=March 12, 2023 |title=10 Great Supporting Performances by Leading Actors |url=https://collider.com/great-leading-actors-supporting-performances/#michelle-pfeiffer-in-39-mother-39-2017 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |quote=Michelle Pfeiffer is undoubtedly one of the most talented of her time|ref=none}}
|{{Cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Biography |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/151595%7C0/Michelle-Pfeiffer#biography |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[Turner Classic Movies]] |quote=Pfeiffer was critically regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation|ref=none}}
|{{Cite book |last=Gregory Dunne |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw5WIGkc33UC&q=of+her+generation+michelle+pfeiffer&pg=PA143 |title=Monster: Living Off the Big Screen |publisher=[[Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group]] |year=2012 |isbn=9780307817648 |location=United States |page=143 |quote="perhaps the best film actress of her generation" |author-link=John Gregory Dunne |access-date=April 27, 2023 |via=[[Google Books]]|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Tapan |first=Barbaros |date=December 25, 2018 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: A successful actress, mother and businesswoman |work=[[Daily Sabah]] |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/arts-culture/2018/12/25/michelle-pfeiffer-a-successful-actress-mother-and-businesswoman |access-date=April 27, 2023 |quote=Considered to be among the most talented actresses of her generation|ref=none}}
|{{Cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://people.com/tag/michelle-pfeiffer/ |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |quote=Pfeiffer is widely recognized as one of the greatest actresses of her generation}}
|{{Cite news |last=Ians |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Evangeline Lilly: Michelle Pfeiffer is the most beautiful woman on planet |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/evangeline-lily-michelle-pfeiffer-ant-man-and-the-wasp-5213800/ |access-date=April 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614184242/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/evangeline-lily-michelle-pfeiffer-ant-man-and-the-wasp-5213800/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |quote=Michelle Pfeiffer, an American actress and producer is considered to be among the most talented actresses of her generation.|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Nepales |first=Ruben V. |date=April 21, 2017 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer back after making herself 'unhirable' |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/222683/michelle-pfeiffer-back-making-unhirable |access-date=April 27, 2023 |quote=One of the finest actresses of her generation|ref=none}}}}</ref> However, she has also been described as one of Hollywood's most underrated,<ref name="Krizanovich-2017" /><ref name="Jacobs-2021">{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-comedy_n_5ffdc677c5b66f3f79619a65  |last=Jacobs |first=Matthew | work=[[HuffPost]] |date=February 9, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Unheralded Comedy Maven |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410060119/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-comedy_n_5ffdc677c5b66f3f79619a65?ri18n=true |archive-date=April 10, 2023 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jacobs-2017">{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michelle-pfeiffer-julia-roberts_n_5a1c8383e4b071403b28740e |last=Jacobs |first=Matthew |date=December 7, 2017 | work=[[HuffPost]] |title=What Lies Beneath The Comeback Of Michelle Pfeiffer And The Decline Of Julia Roberts  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617164930/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/michelle-pfeiffer-julia-roberts_n_5a1c8383e4b071403b28740e?ri18n=true |archive-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref> with ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' saying she "is too seldom ranked among the best of her generation".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Feinberg |first1=Scott |last2=Rooney |first2=David |date=February 25, 2021 |title=Golden Globes Film Predictions: Who Will Win, Who Should Win |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/golden-globes-film-predictions-who-will-win-who-should-win/best-actress-musical-or-comedy-8/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426200317/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/golden-globes-film-predictions-who-will-win-who-should-win/best-actress-musical-or-comedy-8/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In 2009, journalist [[Brian D. Johnson]] argued that Pfeiffer had yet to demonstrate her true range, believing she could potentially be as revered as [[Meryl Streep]] if afforded the same acting opportunities,<ref name="Johnson-2009">{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Brian D.|author-link=Brian D. Johnson|date=June 26, 2009|title=Courtesans gone wild in 'Cheri' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'|url=https://www.macleans.ca/uncategorized/courtesans-gone-wild-in-cheri-and-the-girfriend-experience/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517225209/https://www.macleans.ca/uncategorized/courtesans-gone-wild-in-cheri-and-the-girfriend-experience/|archive-date=May 17, 2018|access-date=May 17, 2018|website=[[Maclean's]]}}</ref> while film critic [[Mick LaSalle]] remarked that Pfeiffer's humility sometimes causes the public to overlook her as one of the industry's finest actresses.<ref name="LaSalle-2017"/> Film critic [[Pauline Kael]] named Pfeiffer one of her favorite actresses,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gelder |first=Lawrence Van |date=September 4, 2001 |title=Pauline Kael, Provocative and Widely Imitated New Yorker Film Critic, Dies at 82 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/04/movies/pauline-kael-provocative-and-widely-imitated-new-yorker-film-critic-dies-at-82.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223024956/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/04/movies/pauline-kael-provocative-and-widely-imitated-new-yorker-film-critic-dies-at-82.html |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> saying she always tried to see her work.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Susan |date=1998 |title=Interview with Pauline Kael (Modern Maturity) |url=https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/movies/interview-with-pauline-kael-modern-maturity/ |access-date=April 29, 2025 |work=[[Modern Maturity]]}}</ref> Pfeiffer is particularly renowned for her versatility,<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Wittmer-2017">{{Cite web |last=Wittmer |first=Carrie |date=March 29, 2017 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer explains why she 'disappeared' from Hollywood |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/why-michelle-pfeiffer-disappeared-from-the-spotlight-2017-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102349/http://www.businessinsider.com/why-michelle-pfeiffer-disappeared-from-the-spotlight-2017-3 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |website=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref><ref name="Taylor-1999">{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Charles|date=May 25, 1999|title=The dazzling versatility of Michelle Pfeiffer|url=https://www.salon.com/1999/05/25/pfeiffer/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028154149/https://www.salon.com/1999/05/25/pfeiffer/|archive-date=October 28, 2016|access-date=May 17, 2018|website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]}}</ref><ref name="Patterson-2021">{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Adreon |date=February 4, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer On Why Getting Noticed For Your Looks Is 'No-Win' In Hollywood |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2562405/michelle-pfeiffer-on-why-getting-noticed-for-your-looks-is-no-win-in-hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529154102/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2562405/michelle-pfeiffer-on-why-getting-noticed-for-your-looks-is-no-win-in-hollywood |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |website=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref> having accrued a filmography that spans period, romance, fantasy, musical, comedy, and drama.<ref name="Miller-2017">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Julie |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Reveals Why She 'Disappeared' from Hollywood |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/03/michelle-pfeiffer-hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607043545/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/03/michelle-pfeiffer-hollywood |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2012 |title=Happy Birthday, Michelle Pfeiffer! Celebrates the Star's Milestone Birthday With Photos Through the Years |url=https://parade.com/79531/parade/michelle-pfeiffer-through-the-years/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406160107/https://parade.com/79531/parade/michelle-pfeiffer-through-the-years/ |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=May 17, 2018 |website=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]}}</ref><ref name="Goldstein-2010" /><ref name="Acosta-2021">{{Cite web |last=Acosta |first=Carmenlucia |date=April 28, 2021 |title=Looking Back at Michelle Pfeiffer's Most Iconic Movie Roles |url=https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/michelle-pfeiffer-best-movies-scarface-catwoman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225204449/https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/michelle-pfeiffer-best-movies-scarface-catwoman |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |website=[[L'Officiel]]}}</ref> By 2016, ''[[Salon (website)|Salon]]''<nowiki/>'s Charles Taylor declared that no actor of the previous decade had rivaled Pfeiffer's versatility.<ref name="Taylor-1999" /> Summarizing her career as eclectic, Erbland believes she has rarely repeated acting choices, with the actress confirming she had always aspired to play the widest possible range of characters, even when her options were limited.<ref name="Erbland-2021" />

As the biggest female movie star at one point,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |date=March 4, 2021 |title=‘Awards Chatter’ Podcast — Michelle Pfeiffer (‘French Exit’) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/awards-chatter-podcast-michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit-4117408/ |access-date=December 22, 2025 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Pfeiffer was one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1980s and 1990s,<ref name="Rivas-2021">{{Cite news |last=Rivas |first=Irene |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer turns 63: the photos that show how the passage of time has affected the sex symbol of Hollywood par excellence |url=https://www.mujerhoy.com/celebrities/202104/29/fotos-sexys-michelle-pfeiffer-cumple-63-anos-sexsymbol-como-afecta-paso-tiempo-actrices-famosas-140213594496-ga.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507034449/https://www.mujerhoy.com/celebrities/202104/29/fotos-sexys-michelle-pfeiffer-cumple-63-anos-sexsymbol-como-afecta-paso-tiempo-actrices-famosas-140213594496-ga.html |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2022 |work=[[Grupo Vocento|Mujer Hoy]] |language=Spanish |quote=Known as one of the most beautiful (and talented) actresses in Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="Weinraub-1995">{{Cite web |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |author-link=Bernard Weinraub |date=September 18, 1995 |title=Skyrocketing Star Salaries |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/18/business/skyrocketing-star-salaries.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030519/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/18/business/skyrocketing-star-salaries.html |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> typically earning $9–$10 million per film during the latter decade.<ref name="UPI-1996">{{Cite web |date=April 8, 1996 |title=Study: Film stars are overpaid |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/04/08/Study-Film-stars-are-overpaid/2778828936000/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220215/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/04/08/Study-Film-stars-are-overpaid/2778828936000/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2021 |website=[[UPI]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hacker |first=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=euR4tWe0KrgC&q=%2412+million+michelle+pfeiffer+salary&pg=PA74 |title=Money: Who Has How Much and Why |publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]] |year=1999 |isbn=9780684864501 |location=United States |pages=74 |id=Citing a survey conducted by [[Entertainment Weekly]], Hacker named Pfeiffer the fourth highest-paid actress of the time, after [[Demi Moore]], [[Julia Roberts]] and [[Sandra Bullock]]. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406184529/https://books.google.com/books?id=euR4tWe0KrgC&q=%2412+million+michelle+pfeiffer+salary&pg=PA74 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |author-link=Mick LaSalle |date=July 16, 1996 |title=Why Overpaid Hollywood Stars Aren't Worth It |url=https://www.deseret.com/1996/7/16/19254786/why-overpaid-hollywood-actors-aren-t-worth-their-megabucks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408155656/https://www.deseret.com/1996/7/16/19254786/why-overpaid-hollywood-actors-aren-t-worth-their-megabucks |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=November 11, 2021 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> Aside from ''The Witches of Eastwick'', few of her films during the 1980s were major box office successes.<ref name="Hirshey-1992" /> In 1995, ''[[The New York Times]]'' journalist [[Bernard Weinraub]] said Pfeiffer belongs to a group of respected actresses who are "not considered a big box-office draw".<ref name="Weinraub-1995" /> However, several critics reported that her performances were consistently acclaimed, despite some mediocre films and box office returns.<ref name="Erbland-2021" /><ref name="Hirshey-1992" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindsey |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Lindsey (journalist) |date=January 13, 1989 |title=Hard Work Is Moving Michelle Pfeiffer Closer To Stardom |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/01/13/hard-work-is-moving-michelle-pfeiffer-closer-to-stardom/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810111233/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-01-13/entertainment/8902250019_1_michelle-pfeiffer-british-director-stephen-frears-film |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |url-status=live |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lindsey |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Lindsey (journalist) |date=January 1, 1989 |title=For Michelle Pfeiffer, It Was a Very Good Year |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/01/movies/for-michelle-pfeiffer-it-was-a-very-good-year.html |access-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801143540/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/01/movies/for-michelle-pfeiffer-it-was-a-very-good-year.html |archive-date=August 1, 2021}}</ref> Regardless, Pfeiffer was the sixth highest-grossing [[domestic box office]] star of 1990,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Highest Grossing Stars of 1990 at the Domestic Box Office |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/domestic/yearly-acting/highest-grossing-1990-stars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106132404/https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/domestic/yearly-acting/highest-grossing-1990-stars |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]}}</ref> and one of the few actresses whose salary corresponded with their box office appeal as of 1996, according to [[United Press International|UPI]].<ref name="UPI-1996" /> In 1996, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' ranked her the 67th greatest movie star of all time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Vernon |date=October 29, 1996 |title=Entertainment Weekly Magazine's - 'The 100 Greatest Movie Stars of all Time' |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/10/29/Entertainment-Weekly-Magazines-The-100-Greatest-Movie-Stars-of-all-Time/8571846565200/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301041932/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/10/29/Entertainment-Weekly-Magazines-The-100-Greatest-Movie-Stars-of-all-Time/8571846565200/ |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |work=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> By 1999, ''Variety'' named Pfeiffer "the female movie star most likely to improve a film's box-office appeal".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/1999/03/07/deep-thoughts-chic-michelle-pfeiffer-explains-attraction-of-flawed-character/|title='Deep' Thoughts Chic Michelle Pfeiffer Explains Attraction Of Flawed Character|last=Longsdorf|first=Amy|date=March 7, 1999|website=[[The Morning Call]]|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518054728/http://articles.mcall.com/1999-03-07/entertainment/3235683_1_michelle-pfeiffer-area-movie-theaters-flawed|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, ''People'' ranked her among The 100 Greatest Movie Stars of Our Time, naming her 20th in the "icons" category.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=July 29, 2006 |title=The 100 Greatest Movie Stars of Our Time |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2006/07/29/349860/100-greatest-movie-stars-our-time |access-date=July 10, 2024 |work=[[Philstar.com]]}}</ref>

Pfeiffer was awarded a [[List of actors with Hollywood Walk of Fame motion picture stars|motion picture]] star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 2007.<ref name="Walk of Fame-2007">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 6, 2007 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://walkoffame.com/michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617021058/https://walkoffame.com/michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |website=[[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] |quote=She rose to prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s, during which time she gave a series of critically-acclaimed performances}}</ref> She was honored by TCL Chinese Theater on April 25, 2025 with a [[List of Grauman's Chinese Theatre handprint ceremonies|hand and footprints ceremony]] at [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Mike |date=March 6, 2025 |title=TCM Classic Film Festival to Honor Michelle Pfeiffer with Hand and Footprint Ceremony |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/michelle-pfeiffer-tcm-classic-film-festival-footprint-1236155999/ 
|access-date=March 7, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Thayer |first1=Colson |last2=Juneau |first2=Jen |date=April 25, 2025 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Beams at Hollywood Handprint Ceremony as She's Joined by Former Costars Dakota and Elle Fanning |url= https://people.com/michelle-pfeiffer-handprint-ceremony-hollywood-dakota-fanning-elle-fanning-photos-11722134 |access-date=April 25, 2025 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>

==Public image==
Pfeiffer has been described as one of the world's most beautiful and talented actresses.<ref name="Rivas-2021" /><ref>{{multiref|Various sources expressing similar sentiments about Pfeiffer's perceived beauty and talent:
|{{Cite web |last=Wills |first=Dominic |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Biography |url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926071520/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/4 |archive-date=September 26, 2008 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |website=[[Tiscali]] |quote=Michelle, renowned as the most beautiful actress in the world|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Roger |date=August 9, 2007 |title=Pfeiffer wins acclaim in return to films |work=[[The Post and Courier]] |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/features/pfeiffer-wins-acclaim-in-return-to-films/article_b0586bd8-fa77-5e2b-998b-dd69e50c9b32.html |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=one of the most beautiful women in the movies|ref=none}}
|{{Cite web |last=Karasyov |first=Caroline Doyle |date=October 2022 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Tells All |url=http://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/michelle-pfeiffer-tells-all-october-2002/ |access-date=November 23, 2022 |website=[[Harper’s Bazaar]] |via=Gorgeous Pfeiffer |quote=generally regarded as one of the most beautiful and talented women in Hollywood|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Longsdorf |first=Amy |date=January 19, 2002 |title=Legally Mean |work=[[The Morning Call]] |url=https://www.mcall.com/2002/01/19/legally-mean-beauty-michelle-pfeiffer-becomes-tough-lawyer-in-new-film/ |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518055334/http://articles.mcall.com/2002-01-19/entertainment/3398489_1_beauty-michelle-pfeiffer-rita-yoga |archive-date=May 18, 2018 |quote=one of Hollywood's most beautiful and talented actresses|url-status=live |ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Saltman |first=Jennifer |date=Jul 16, 2010 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: the actress for whom ageing holds no fear |work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/michelle-pfeiffer-the-actress-for-whom-ageing-holds-no-fear-1.587437 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=Regularly cited as one of the world's most beautiful women|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/michelle-pfeiffer-aging-hollywood_n_3934242 |last=Sieczkowski |first=Cavan |date=September 16, 2013 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer On Aging In Hollywood: 'It Can Wreak Havoc On Your Psyche' | work=[[HuffPost]] |quote=The 55-year-old has been referred to as one of the world's most beautiful women over the course of her career.|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=White |first=Donna |date=March 4, 2001 |title=Michelle's the Perfect 1.618; Screen star measures up to doc's beauty test. |work=[[Sunday Mail (Scotland)|Sunday Mail]] |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MICHELLE%27S+THE+PERFECT+1.618%3B+Screen+star+measures+up+to+doc%27s+beauty...-a071116903 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=Michelle Pfeiffer is officially the most beautiful woman in the world. |via=[[The Free Library]]|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |date=October 7, 2011 |title=I'm all for Botox, admits Michelle |work=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]] |url=https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/style-beauty/beauty/im-all-for-botox-admits-michelle-1152830 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=considered one of the beautiful actresses of her generation}}
|{{Cite news |last=Berk |first=Philip |date=August 9, 2018 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer makes a comeback after a 10-year hiatus |work=[[The Jakarta Post]] |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/08/09/michelle-pfeiffer-makes-a-comeback-after-a-10-year-hiatus.html |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=Once considered the most beautiful actress in Hollywood|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |author-link=Vincent Canby |date=April 12, 1985 |title=Film: ''Ladyhawke'', A Medieval Tale |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/12/movies/film-ladyhawke-a-medieval-tale.html |access-date=November 23, 2022 |quote=Miss Pfeiffer, who may well be the most beautiful woman in movies today|ref=none}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Siegler |first=Bonnie |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Young: A Look Back Through Her Glamorous Hollywood Evolution |url=https://www.firstforwomen.com/entertainment/celebrities/michelle-pfeiffer-young |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727002905/https://www.firstforwomen.com/entertainment/celebrities/michelle-pfeiffer-young |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |work=[[First for Women]] |quote=Michelle Pfeiffer has been one of Hollywood’s most talented and stunning stars since the early ’80s.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2011 |title=The 50 Most Beautiful Women in Film |url=http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2011/02/50-most-beautiful-women-in-film.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514150846/http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2011/02/50-most-beautiful-women-in-film.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times Magazine]]}}</ref> After being [[Typecasting|typecast]] in early roles based on her appearance,<ref name="Russell-1990">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Candice |date=March 25, 1990 |title=Flirting with Oscar |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1990-03-25-9001310550-story.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408075147/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1990-03-25-9001310550-story.html |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |website=[[Sun-Sentinel]]}}</ref> she initially struggled to convince directors to take her seriously as an actor,<ref name="Brown-2009" /> and thus sought out more challenging opportunities.<ref name="Hirshey-1992" /> Critics regularly undermined Pfeiffer's work by focusing on her appearance instead of her acting.<ref name="Syme-2021" /><ref name="Russell-1990" />

Pfeiffer was considered one of the defining [[sex symbol]]s of the 1980s and 1990s,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2009 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer wears her years with pride in 'Cheri' |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2009/06/17/michelle-pfeiffer-wears-her-years-with-pride-in-cheri/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |quote=one of the screen's leading sex symbols of the '80s and '90s.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 5, 2013 |title=Looking great for my age is ok now, says Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/looking-great-for-my-age-is-ok-now-says-michelle-pfeiffer-113090500794_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120032024/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/looking-great-for-my-age-is-ok-now-says-michelle-pfeiffer-113090500794_1.html |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 4, 2013 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, 55, On Aging: 'Looking Great For My Age is OK Now' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/michelle-pfeiffer-55-aging-great-age-now/story?id=20156083 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328122431/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/michelle-pfeiffer-55-aging-great-age-now/story?id=20156083 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Is Still Smoldering Hot |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/06/michelle-pfeiffer-is-still-smoldering-hot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209060805/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/06/michelle-pfeiffer-is-still-smoldering-hot |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> as well as one of the era's "[[It girl]]s".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berk |first=Philip |author-link=Philip Berk |date=February 15, 2021 |title=Nominee Profile 2021: Michelle Pfeiffer, "French Exit" |url=https://goldenglobes.com/articles/nominee-profile-2021-michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119072516/https://goldenglobes.com/articles/nominee-profile-2021-michelle-pfeiffer-french-exit/ |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=[[Golden Globes]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last=Pieri |first=Kerry |date=April 29, 2015 |title=7 Standouts of Michelle Pfeiffer's Cinematic Style |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a10733/7-standouts-of-michelle-pfeiffers-cinematic-style/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120035346/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a10733/7-standouts-of-michelle-pfeiffers-cinematic-style/ |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]]}}</ref> In 1990, Pfeiffer appeared on the inaugural cover of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine's annual "[[People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People|50 Most Beautiful People in the World]]" issue.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=April 18, 2017|title=People's Annual 'Most Beautiful' List – 1990 - Michelle Pfeiffer|url=https://etcanada.com/photos/99661/peoples-annual-most-beautiful-list/#image-87336|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=[[Entertainment Tonight Canada]]|archive-date=June 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622135604/https://etcanada.com/photos/99661/peoples-annual-most-beautiful-list/#image-87336|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="People-1999" /> She has been featured in the "Most Beautiful" issue a record-breaking six times throughout the decade.<ref name="People-1999">{{cite magazine |date=May 10, 1999 |title=The Unstoppable Michelle Pfeiffer – Most Beautiful, Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20128142,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623004715/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20128142,00.html |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=October 23, 2008 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In 2004, the magazine named her one of the most beautiful women of all time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 13, 2004 |title=All-Time Most Beautiful Women – Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://people.com/celebrity/all-time-most-beautiful-women/?slide=2000910#2000910 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109012621/https://people.com/celebrity/all-time-most-beautiful-women/?slide=2000910#2000910 |archive-date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> In 2020, ''[[Vogue Paris]]'' listed Pfeiffer as one of the 21 most beautiful American actresses of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garrigues |first=Manon |date=July 3, 2020 |title=The most beautiful American actresses of all time |url=https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/fashion-exhibitions/diaporama/the-most-beautiful-american-actresses-of-all-time-marilyn-monroe-grace-kelly-audrey-hepburn-lauren-bacall/52073?image=5c36108918a6fdc161e4530e |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408015752/https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/fashion-exhibitions/diaporama/the-most-beautiful-american-actresses-of-all-time-marilyn-monroe-grace-kelly-audrey-hepburn-lauren-bacall/52073?image=5c36108918a6fdc161e4530e |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2021 |website=[[Vogue Paris]]}}</ref> ''[[Men's Health]]'' ranked Pfeiffer 45th and 67th on their all-time hottest women and sex symbol rankings, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=November 22, 2013 |title=The 100 Hottest Women of All Time |url=http://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/hottest-women-all-time/slide/57 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424140102/http://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/hottest-women-all-time/slide/57 |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |access-date=April 23, 2017 |website=[[Men's Health]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=July 1, 2020 |title=The 100 Hottest Sex Symbols of All Time |url=https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/g19547274/hottest-women-all-time/?slide=67 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623004715/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20128142,00.html |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=February 15, 2021 |website=[[Men's Health]]}}</ref> According to several plastic surgeons, Pfeiffer possesses some of the most sought-after celebrity features among clients.<ref name="Mueller-2009" /> In 2001, plastic surgeon [[Stephen R. Marquardt]] declared her the most [[Facial symmetry|anatomically beautiful]] face in Hollywood.<ref name="Marx-2023" /><ref name="Todd-2018">{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Stephen |date=August 20, 2018 |title=Perfection exhibition: how far we will go to look good in this Instagram age? |url=https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/arts-and-culture/perfection-exhibition-how-far-we-will-go-to-look-good-in-this-instagram-age-20180816-h1425m |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208202143/https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/arts-and-culture/perfection-exhibition-how-far-we-will-go-to-look-good-in-this-instagram-age-20180816-h1425m |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=[[Australian Financial Review]]}}</ref> Nicknamed the "golden ratio", Pfeiffer's face, Marquardt claims, adheres to a mathematical formula in which he determined a person's ideal mouth is 1.618 times as wide as their nose.<ref name="Todd-2018" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2001 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, scientifically, the most beautiful woman in the world |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=https://www.abc.es/estilo/gente/abci-michelle-pfeiffer-cientificamente-mujer-mas-bella-mundo-200103070300-16658_noticia.html&prev=search&pto=aue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808145032/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=https://www.abc.es/estilo/gente/abci-michelle-pfeiffer-cientificamente-mujer-mas-bella-mundo-200103070300-16658_noticia.html&prev=search&pto=aue |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |website=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]] |language=Spanish}}</ref> Several outlets have commented on Pfeiffer's perceived ability to physically age slowly.<ref>{{multiref|Various sources describing Pfeiffer as "ageless":
|{{Cite web|last=Finn|first=Jessica|date=January 14, 2021|title=Michelle Pfeiffer shares ageless photo as she enjoys special reunion|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/20210114104632/michelle-pfeiffer-ageless-photo-in-reunion-with-loved-ones/|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=[[Hello! Canada]]|ref=none}}
* {{Cite web|last=Tracy|first=Brianne|date=March 28, 2017|title=Wow! Michelle Pfeiffer, 58, Proves She's an Ageless Beauty on Interview Magazine Cover|url=https://people.com/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-interview-magazine-cover/|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|ref=none}}
|{{Cite web|last=Paris|first=Calin Van|date=September 17, 2017|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Is Impossibly Ageless on the 2017 Emmys Red Carpet|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-emmy-awards-red-carpet-beauty-los-angeles|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]|ref=none}}
|{{Cite news|last=Barlow|first=Helen|date=June 29, 2009|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: ageless beauty|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-ageless-beauty-20090629-d28b.html|access-date=August 27, 2021|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}
|{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Zoe|date=December 7, 2008|title=The Cast of ''Scarface'', Then and Now|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/scarface-cast-now-al-pacino-michelle-pfeiffer-more-1124833/michelle-pfeiffer-5/|access-date=November 8, 2021|quote=Michelle Pfeiffer is hailed not only for her acting but also for her seeming ability not to age|ref=none}}}}</ref>

Famously private like the characters she plays,<ref name="Stone-2012">{{Cite magazine |last1=Stone |first1=Peter |last2=Kelsey |first2=Colleen |date=May 9, 2012 |title=New Again: Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/new-again-michelle-pfeiffer/#_ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430150412/http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/new-again-michelle-pfeiffer/#_ |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=April 23, 2017 |magazine=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]}}</ref><ref name="Goldstein-2010">{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Gary |date=February 19, 2010 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123033432/http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/michelle-pfeiffer/ |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |quote=She has proven as adept in comedies ("Married to the Mob") and musicals ("Hairspray") as she has in serious dramas ("White Oleander", "The Deep End of the Ocean") and period pieces ("The Age of Innocence").}}</ref><ref name="TCM-2023a">{{Cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/151595%7C0/Michelle-Pfeiffer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203150709/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/151595%7C0/Michelle-Pfeiffer/#biography |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |url-status=dead |website=[[Turner Classic Movies]]}}</ref> Matthew Jacobs of ''[[HuffPost]]'' believes Pfeiffer's aversion to movie stardom allows her to play authentic characters uncompromised by her own fame.<ref name="Jacobs-2021" /> Analyzing her public profile for [[Metrograph|Metograph]], Luke Goodsell said Pfeiffer maintained an elusiveness during the 1990s that made her difficult to categorize, unlike her peers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodsell |first=Luke |date=2024 |title=Cracked Actor: Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://metrograph.com/crackedactor-michellepfeiffer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822155425/https://metrograph.com/crackedactor-michellepfeiffer/ |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=[[Metrograph]]}}</ref> Notorious for disliking giving press interviews,<ref name="Stone-2012" /><ref name="Murthi-2021" /><ref name="Aronofsky-2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Aronofsky |first=Darren |author-link=Darren Aronofsky |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/michelle-pfeiffer#_ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305044455/http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/michelle-pfeiffer#_ |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |magazine=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]}}</ref> she believes it is not an actor's responsibility to promote their films.<ref name="Hirshey-1992" /> Film critic [[Michael Sragow]] observed that the actress can appear "flustered or elusive" during interviews,<ref name="Sragow-2007" /> and journalist [[Timothy Egan]] compared profiling her to covering [[geology]].<ref name="Egan" /> Vikram Murthi of ''[[The Nation]]'' believes Pfeiffer's aversion to publicity "has lent her an air of gravitas, of someone who directs a spotlight rather than chases after it".<ref name="Murthi-2021">{{Cite web |last=Murthi |first=Vikram |date=April 29, 2021 |title=The Caustic Grace of French Exit |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/french-exit-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408163625/https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/french-exit-review/ |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |website=[[The Nation]]}}</ref>

Commentators noted that Pfeiffer had unexpectedly become a "pop-music muse" in 2014. Her name is mentioned in two of the year's most popular songs: "[[Uptown Funk]]" by [[Mark Ronson]] featuring [[Bruno Mars]], and "[[Riptide (Vance Joy song)|Riptide]]" by [[Vance Joy]],<ref name="Carly">{{cite news |title=Michelle Pfeiffer is the pop-music muse of the moment|first=Carly |last=Mallenbaum |date=December 2, 2014 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |url=http://entertainthis.usatoday.com/2014/12/02/pfeiffer-uptown-funk-riptide/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Why Michelle Pfeiffer is Name-Dropped in Two Cool New Songs|url=https://97zokonline.com/why-michelle-pfeiffer-is-name-dropped-in-two-cool-new-songs-video/|access-date=July 8, 2021|website=[[WZOK]]|date=February 5, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How is Catwoman slinking her way into song lyrics? |first=Clay |last=Thompson |date=February 23, 2015 |newspaper=[[The Arizona Republic]] |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/claythompson/2015/02/23/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-music-funk-electro-motown/23895099/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Katherine Snow|date=February 19, 2015|title=How to look like Uptown Funk muse Michelle Pfeiffer for free|url=https://www.tampabay.com/how-to-look-like-uptown-funk-muse-michelle-pfeiffer-for-free/2218296/#|access-date=July 8, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> with both artists expressing admiration for her work.<ref name=Carly/><ref>{{cite web |date=December 4, 2014 |title=Q&A: Mark Ronson Talks 'Uptown Funk,' Old New York City and Michelle Pfeiffer |url=http://radio.com/2014/12/04/mark-ronson-interview-uptown-funk/ |website=radio.com |access-date=December 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424140938/http://radio.com/2014/12/04/mark-ronson-interview-uptown-funk/ |archive-date=April 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2021, singer-songwriter [[Ethel Cain]] named her debut single "[[Michelle Pfeiffer (Ethel Cain song)|Michelle Pfeiffer]]" after the actress because "I've always ... thought she was a picture perfect bombshell".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kent |first=Matthew |date=February 11, 2021 |title=Ethel Cain reflects on the freedom of LA with revelatory new single "Michelle Pfeiffer" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/song-of-the-day/ethel-cain-michelle-pfeiffer |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=[[The Line of Best Fit]]}}</ref> Australian [[cricket]]ers speak of "getting a Michelle" when they take five wickets in an [[innings]]. In cricketing parlance, this is referred to as a "five for", a near-homophone for "Pfeiffer", which resulted in the nickname "Michelle".<ref>{{cite news |date=September 12, 1998 |title=Cricket diary: The bowler who bats and keeps wicket |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-diary-the-bowler-who-bats-and-keeps-wicket-1197797.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket-diary-the-bowler-who-bats-and-keeps-wicket-1197797.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> ''[[M3GAN 2.0]]'' (2025) director, [[Gerard Johnstone]], revealed that Pfeiffer was the original inspiration behind the film's counterpoint robot, AMELIA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Rance |date=June 28, 2025 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Was Inspiration for M3GAN's Rival, but Director Says She Ended Up More Like Another '80s Icon |url= https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/michelle-pfeiffer-was-inspiration-for-m3gans-rival-1235135628/ |access-date=July 3, 2025 |website=[[Indiewire]]}}</ref>

==Other ventures==
[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer with Dianne Feinstein.jpg|thumb|Pfeiffer meeting with Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]] to support the Personal Care Product Safety Act in 2019]]

===Product and endorsements===
In 2005, Pfeiffer served as the face of [[Armani|Giorgio Armani]]'s spring campaign; the designer has often dressed her for public appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/michele-pfeiffer-then-and-now|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: Then and Now|work=InStyle|access-date=March 23, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Haskell-2019">{{cite web |last=Haskell |first=Robert |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer is Back (as if She Ever Left) |url=https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-march-feature |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406160105/https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/michelle-pfeiffer-march-feature |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=February 7, 2019 |work=[[InStyle]]}}</ref>

In 2019, she launched a collection of fine fragrances called Henry Rose.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.henryrose.com|title=Henry Rose: 100% Transparent Fine Fragrances|website=Henry Rose|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref> It is the first fine fragrance line to be both [[Cradle-to-cradle design|Cradle to Cradle Certified]] and [[Environmental Working Group|EWG Verified]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discover Henry Rose |url=https://henryrose.com/pages/about |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=Henry Rose}}</ref>  

In 2025, Pfeiffer fronted fashion house [[Yves Saint Laurent (fashion house)|Yves Saint Laurent]]'s Summer 2025 collection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Stars In The Saint Laurent Summer 2025 Ad Campaign |url=https://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2025/02/21/michelle-pfeiffer-stars-in-the-saint-laurent-summer-2025-ad-campaign/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=RCFA |date=February 21, 2025 }}</ref>

===Philanthropy===
Having been a smoker for ten years (she quit in 1992), and having a niece who suffered from [[leukemia]] for ten years, Pfeiffer decided to support the [[American Cancer Society]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gq-magazin.de/star-portraits/michelle-pfeiffer/0/695.html |title=Star Portrait: Michelle Pfeiffer |magazine=GQ Magazine |publisher=Nast Digital Network |access-date=July 14, 2011 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001171558/http://www.gq-magazin.de/star-portraits/michelle-pfeiffer/0/695.html |archive-date=October 1, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She also supports the [[Humane Society]].<ref name="talk"/> In 2016, she attended the Healthy Child Healthy World's L.A. Gala for people who lead organizations for [[Pediatric environmental health|children's environmental health]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guestofaguest.com/los-angeles/events/ali-landry-and-michelle-pfeiffer-attend-healthy-child-healthy-worlds-la-gala-2016 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer, Bob Breech, David E. Kelley attend Healthy Child Healthy World's L.A. Gala |date=November 4, 2016 |website=guestofaguest |access-date=November 25, 2016 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064551/http://guestofaguest.com/los-angeles/events/ali-landry-and-michelle-pfeiffer-attend-healthy-child-healthy-worlds-la-gala-2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In December that year, Pfeiffer, who was [[Veganism|vegan]] at the time, joined the board of directors for [[Environmental Working Group]], an advocacy group based in Washington. D.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/04/michelle-pfeiffer-why-i-became-a-vegan|title=Michelle Pfeiffer: Why I became a vegan|access-date=June 16, 2012|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=June 4, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108183530/https://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/04/michelle-pfeiffer-why-i-became-a-vegan/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:David E. Kelley and Michelle Pfeiffer at the 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 1994.jpg|thumb|left|Pfeiffer with husband [[David E. Kelley]] at the [[46th Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 1994]]

Soon after coming to Hollywood at age twenty, Pfeiffer was taken in by a seemingly friendly couple who ran a [[New Age|metaphysics]] and [[vegetarian]] [[cult]]. They helped her to cease drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. Over time, they took control of her entire life. Much of her money went to the group. "I was brainwashed," she said, "I gave them an enormous amount of money."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: The day I realised I was part of a cult |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/celebritynews/10422883/Michelle-Pfeiffer-The-day-I-realised-I-was-part-of-a-cult.html |last=Duffin |first=Claire |date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=March 7, 2022|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref>

At an acting class taught by [[Milton Katselas]] in Los Angeles, she met fellow budding actor [[Peter Horton]], and they began dating. They married in [[Santa Monica]] in 1981; it was on their honeymoon that she discovered she had won the lead role in ''[[Grease 2]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Mick |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/5158069/Michelle-Pfeiffer-interview.html |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: interview |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=April 20, 2009 |access-date=May 8, 2011|location=London}}</ref> Horton directed Pfeiffer in a 1985 [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] TV special, ''One Too Many'', where she played the high school girlfriend of an alcoholic student ([[Val Kilmer]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/101945 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: interview |website=Turner Classic Movies |publisher=Turner Broadcasting System |access-date=May 8, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 1987, the real-life couple played an on-screen couple in the 'Hospital' segment of [[John Landis]]'s comedy skit compilation ''[[Amazon Women on the Moon]]''.

In 1988, Pfeiffer had an affair with [[John Malkovich]], her co-star in ''[[Dangerous Liaisons]]'', who at the time was married to [[Glenne Headly]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sastry |first=Keertana |title=Scandals Onscreen: Celebrities Who Had Affairs Right In Front Of Our Eyes |date=March 30, 2012 |newspaper=[[Business Insider]] |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/scandals-onscreen-celebrities-that-were-having-affairs-right-in-front-of-our-eyes-2012-3 |access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Being John Malkovich |date=April 26, 2003 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/25/1050777404749.html |access-date=July 11, 2015|location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hind |first=John |title=Did I say that? |date=December 5, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/dec/06/did-i-say-that-john-malkovich |access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Right for the part |date=June 1, 2003 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3592043/Right-for-the-part.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3592043/Right-for-the-part.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=July 11, 2015|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Akbar |first=Arifa |title=John Malkovich: 'I don't need to be liked' |date=January 8, 2011 |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/john-malkovich-i-dont-need-to-be-liked-2176821.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/john-malkovich-i-dont-need-to-be-liked-2176821.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=May 12, 2015|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Barber |first=Lynn |title=Life and taxes |date=July 9, 2006 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2006/jul/09/features.review |access-date=May 12, 2015}}</ref>

Pfeiffer and Horton decided to separate in 1988, and were divorced two years later. Horton later blamed the split on their devotion to their work rather than their marriage.<ref name="talk"/> Pfeiffer then had a three-year relationship with actor/producer [[Fisher Stevens]], whom Pfeiffer met when she was starring as [[Olivia (Twelfth Night)|Olivia]] in the [[New York Shakespeare Festival]] production of ''[[Twelfth Night]]'', where Stevens played [[Sir Andrew Aguecheek]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-the-two-lives-of-catwoman-vol-38-no-2/|title=The Two Lives of Catwoman – Couples, Batman Returns, Fisher Stevens, Michelle Pfeiffer |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|first=Michael A. |last=Lipton |access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/10/theater/review-theater-night-of-stars-and-also-shakespeare.html|access-date=February 15, 2024|title=Review/Theater; Night of Stars, and Also Shakespeare|author=[[Frank Rich]]|date=July 10, 1989|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

In 1993, Pfeiffer married television writer and producer [[David E. Kelley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Pfeiffer|title=Michelle Pfeiffer &#124; Biography, Films, Batman, Catwoman, & Facts &#124; Britannica|website=www.britannica.com|date=December 25, 2023 }}</ref> She made a brief uncredited cameo appearance in one episode of Kelley's television series ''[[Picket Fences]]'' and played the title character in ''[[To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday]]'', for which Kelley wrote the screenplay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/michelle-pfeiffer/1921/ |title=Michelle Pfeiffer biography and filmography |website=Tribune.ca |publisher=Tribute Entertainment Media Group |access-date=May 1, 2011}}</ref> She had entered into private adoption proceedings before she met Kelley,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/specials/bemybaby/pagina_3_1.html |title=Hello! |magazine=[[Hello (magazine)|Hello]] |access-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> and in March 1993 adopted a newborn daughter, Claudia Rose,<ref>{{cite news |first=Gill |last=Pringle |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/michelle-pfeiffer-the-former-beauty-queen-is-back-after-a-fiveyear-break-26438605.html |title=Michelle Pfeiffer: The former beauty queen is back after a five-year break |newspaper=The Independent |publisher=Independent Print Limited |date=July 13, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2011|location=London}}</ref> who was christened on Pfeiffer's and Kelley's wedding day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/9 |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Biography |website=Tiscali.co.uk |date=October 23, 2008 |access-date=October 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926071548/http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/biographies/michelle_pfeiffer_biog/9 |archive-date=September 26, 2008 }}</ref> In 1994, Pfeiffer gave birth to a son, John Henry Kelley II, named for his grandfather and Pfeiffer's father-in-law, [[United States Hockey Hall of Fame]] coach [[Jack Kelley (ice hockey)|John Henry "Jack" Kelley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.womansday.com/life/entertainment/a60135/why-michelle-pfeiffer-disappeared/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Opens Up About Why She 'Disappeared' from Hollywood|date=September 8, 2017|website=Woman's Day}}</ref> In September 2025, Pfeiffer revealed that she had become a grandmother in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1423175/michelle-pfeiffer-becomes-grandmother|title=Michelle Pfeiffer Shares She's a Grandmother|website=[[E! News]]|date=September 29, 2025|access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref>

Pfeiffer experimented with a [[plant-based diet]] for a few years but later added meat to her diet and advocated a "[[Paleolithic diet|paleoish]]" diet.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Walters, Meg|url=https://www.thelist.com/1318443/complete-evolution-michelle-pfeiffer/|title=The Complete Evolution Of Michelle Pfeiffer|date=June 24, 2023|website=The List|access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Hargrove, Hannah|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/20201209102431/michelle-pfeiffer-swimsuit-bikini-body-diet/|title=Michelle Pfeiffer wows with swimsuit selfie inside garden of $22million mansion|date=December 9, 2020|website=Hello Magazine|access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.womansway.ie/main-blog/2021/10/21/forever-young|title=Forever Young|date=October 21, 2021|website=Woman's Way|access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>

==Acting credits and accolades==
{{Main|List of Michelle Pfeiffer performances|List of awards and nominations received by Michelle Pfeiffer}}

According to review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], Pfeiffer's most acclaimed films include ''[[The Fabulous Baker Boys]]'' (1989),  ''[[Dangerous Liaisons]]'' (1988), ''[[Hairspray (2007 film)|Hairspray]]'' (2007), ''[[Married to the Mob]]'' (1988), ''[[The Age of Innocence (1993 film)|The Age of Innocence]]'' (1993), ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992), ''[[Scarface (1983 film)|Scarface]]'' (1983), ''[[Where Is Kyra?]]'' (2017), ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' (1998), and ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]'' (2007).<ref name="rt">{{cite web |title=Michelle Pfeiffer |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/michelle_pfeiffer |access-date=August 21, 2022 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=}}</ref>

Pfeiffer has received three Academy Award nominations: [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] for ''[[Dangerous Liaisons]]'' (1988); and [[Academy Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] for ''[[The Fabulous Baker Boys]]'' (1989) and ''[[Love Field (film)|Love Field]]'' (1992). She won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama]] for ''The Fabulous Baker Boys'', and has been nominated seven more times for her performances in ''[[Married to the Mob]]'' (1988), ''[[The Russia House (film)|The Russia House]]'' (1990), ''[[Frankie and Johnny (1991 film)|Frankie and Johnny]]'' (1991), ''Love Field'', ''[[The Age of Innocence (1993 film)|The Age of Innocence]]'' (1993), ''[[The Wizard of Lies]]'' (2017), and ''[[French Exit (2020 film)|French Exit]]'' (2020).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/michelle-pfeiffer|title=Person: Michelle Pfeiffer|publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]]|access-date=August 21, 2022 }}</ref> For ''Dangerous Liaisons'', she won the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role]]. She also received a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Primetime Emmy Award]] nomination for ''The Wizard of Lies''.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
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{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Michelle Pfeiffer|Awards for Michelle Pfeiffer]]
|list =
{{BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress 1985–2009}}
{{ACCT Best Actress}}
{{Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress}}
{{GoldenGlobeBestActressMotionPictureDrama 1981–2000}}
{{Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year}}
{{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress 1981–2000}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Actress}}
{{National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress}}
{{New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress}}
{{San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress}}
{{Silver Bear for Best Actress}}
}}

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