Michelle Pfeiffer, an acclaimed award-winning actress, is popularly know for her stints in “Scarface” and “Grease 2.” While her career has been impressive, her personal life has proven to be just as captivating. Married twice, Michelle’s love story includes a blind date that blossomed into a thriving marriage, now spanning over three decades.
Michelle Pfeiffer on the set of “‘Grease 2,” 1981 | Source: Getty Images
The California native has always embodied a captivating blend of elegance and humility. Once described as “timid and afraid” during a prestigious event in Venice, she seemed more like a small-town girl navigating the pressures of stardom. Despite her worldwide fame, Michelle values her privacy, and once admitted, “It’s so hard for me to put myself out there.”
Michelle’s journey through life and love reflects her grounded perspective on personal growth. Before her enduring marriage, she experienced a chapter of young love. In 1981, the actress married actor and director Peter Horton, best known for “Thirtysomething.”
Michelle Pfeiffer and Peter Horton at the New York premiere of “Grease II,” 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Their union ended in 1988, and she later reflected on that time with honesty and humor in an interview. “I married Peter at a very young age. I’m not the same person I was then,” she shared.
Peter Horton and Michelle Pfeiffer pictured on December 4, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Michelle admitted she had gone years without mentioning her first marriage to her children, eventually telling them when they were older, “By the way, just so you know, I was married before.” Recalling their shocked reaction, she said, “They were like, ‘Wait, what?!'”
Reflecting on her journey to finding lasting love, Michelle once recalled how an unexpected blind date changed her life during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Despite her vow to avoid blind dates due to past experiences, her best friend convinced her to meet writer and producer David Kelley.
To ease the pressure, Michelle suggested a group bowling party. With eight attendees, dinner seating didn’t initially work in their favor—Michelle sat across from David’s best friend, while David ended up chatting with her sister, who she described as “charming and social,” unlike her own reserved nature.
Amused by their connection, Michelle even suggested her friend set her sister up with David. Her friend, however, dismissed the idea, declaring, “I’m sitting across from your next husband.” Ironically, Michelle and David barely exchanged words that evening, and he left early for another party.
Two days later, David called Michelle, and the two talked for an hour—a conversation that marked the beginning of their enduring love story.
Michelle’s relationship with David quickly became serious as they embraced parenthood early on. At the time they met, Michelle was already in the process of adopting her daughter, Claudia.
When Claudia arrived, the couple had only been together for two months, giving Michelle a chance to see David’s true character. “I really got to see him in a situation that certainly would separate the boys from the men,” she said, adding that he rose to the challenge.
The couple soon wed in November 1993, and David officially adopted Claudia that same year. A year later in August, 1994, the pair welcomed their son, John. Michelle shared that John and Claudia have always been close in age and in their bond, forming a lifelong connection as siblings.
Looking back on their relationship, Michelle has expressed nothing but admiration and gratitude for her husband. “I chose really well with David. I got really lucky,” she expressed in an interview.
Nearly two decades into their marriage at the time, she reflected, “I never take him for granted. I’ve never met a person who has more integrity than my husband. I respect that.” She added that beyond his intelligence, humor, and charm, respect is what truly sustains their bond, “If you don’t respect your partner, you’ll get sick of him.”
Michelle has always prioritized her family, a commitment that became even more evident in the late 2000s. Seeking a quieter life for their children, Claudia, 14, and John, 12, she and David moved to a peaceful rural area in northern California.
Surrounded by animals and nature, their home offered a stark contrast to the frenzy of Hollywood. True to her roots, Michelle remained unfazed by the trappings of fame, staying grounded and focused on what truly matters.
Michelle’s focus on family extends to the values she wants her children to carry forward. She expressed her desire for them to “be fighters” and “survivors,” staying true to themselves and their beliefs.
Inspired by her grandmother, who raised five children during the Depression and made a bold move to California at 50, Michelle hopes to pass down that same resilience and strength to Claudia and John.
Fast forward to a 2021 interview, the mother of two reflected on stepping back from acting once, explaining that her focus on family heavily influenced her career choices.
“I was persnickety about roles,” she admitted, adding that balancing work with being present for her children made hiring her challenging. Over time, she realized that stepping away from acting was simply the easier choice. During her time away from acting, Michelle embraced the challenges of raising her family and adjusting to life in the Bay Area.
“Not at all, actually,” she said when asked if she missed working, explaining that settling in a new city and raising kids consumed her time. As the years passed, her focus shifted back to acting, and she noted, “My kids were ready for me to go back to work.”
As Michelle transitioned back into acting, she reflected on how her efforts to separate her career from her children’s lives impacted them. When asked if her kids had a favorite movie, Michelle revealed, “They’re not that interested in my movies,” noting that her daughter only learned about her fame from friends.
She admitted, “I realized I’d really done her a disservice in an effort to try and protect her,” reflecting on the unintentional distance this created between her career and her family.
Determined to connect her children with her work, Michelle tried showing them a film, possibly “Grease 2,” that she thought was suitable for their age. However, she admitted, “They watched about a quarter of it, and then they wandered off.”
Michelle has always kept her personal and professional lives separate, a choice she maintains with her husband. When asked if she would work with him, she firmly said, “No,” though she praised his talent as a writer, especially for women.
The Academy Award winner explained that their relationship is too important to risk, as both are intensely passionate about their work.
Michelle and David’s enduring bond, now over 31 years strong, continues to captivate their fans. The couple occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on social media, often drawing heartfelt reactions from followers.
“You are still such a beautiful and lovely couple as you always have been. This year is truly a definition of love for eternity!” one admirer commented. Another echoed similar sentiments, calling them a “beautiful couple,” adding David “such a lucky man.”
Fans frequently praise their authenticity and charm, with comments like, “Genuine beauty and wonderful couple,” “Beautiful couple,” and “Love!!!! Best couple ever.” These reflections highlight the admiration their relationship inspires even after decades together.
The admiration for Michelle and David’s enduring relationship is matched by the veteran actress’s candidness about aging.
Now 66, she denied using Botox or fillers in a recent interview but admitted aging has been challenging, adding she would “never say never” to the idea in the future.
