Michelle Pfeiffer
With her striking beauty and formidable talent, she transformed from a screen siren into one of her generation's most versatile and respected dramatic actresses.
Born 1958 (age 68)·American actress·Birthday: April 29·Baby Boomers
Biography
Michelle Pfeiffer's early career was defined by her glamour, but her determination to be taken seriously led to a series of daring, transformative performances that shattered that mold. After breaking out in 'Scarface,' she fought for and won the role of Elvira in 'The Witches of Eastwick,' showcasing a wicked comedic edge. Her turn as a troubled lounge singer in 'The Fabulous Baker Boys,' for which she learned to sing and perform sultry jazz standards, became an instant classic and proved her mettle. She brought a fierce intelligence to every part, whether as the vengeful Catwoman in 'Batman Returns,' the steadfast mother in 'Dangerous Liaisons,' or the California housewife unraveling in 'White Oleander.' Pfeiffer has always chosen a path of intriguing complexity, stepping back from Hollywood's peak at times, only to return with the same compelling power, her filmography a testament to skill that transcends mere star power.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Michelle was born in 1958, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michelle Was Born
The biggest hits of 1958
#1 Movie
South Pacific
Best Picture
Gigi
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Michelle's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1958Born
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1963Started school
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1971Became a teenager
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1974Could drive
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1976Could vote
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1979Turned 21
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1988Turned 30
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1998Turned 40
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2008Turned 50
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 60
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 68 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received Academy Award nominations for her performances in 'Dangerous Liaisons,' 'The Fabulous Baker Boys,' and 'Love Field.'
- Won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in 'The Fabulous Baker Boys.'
- Delivered a defining and physically demanding performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns.'
- Earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a fragile, drug-addicted mother in the film adaptation of 'White Oleander.'
Did You Know?
She worked as a checkout clerk at a Vons supermarket before winning the Miss Orange County beauty pageant.
Pfeiffer is a licensed esthetician.
She learned to speak German for her role in 'The Jeweller's Shop' but her scenes were ultimately cut from the film.
She is married to television writer and producer David E. Kelley.
Pfeiffer is an advocate for environmental causes and supports the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“I think you have to know who you are. Get to know the monster that lives in your soul, dive deep into your soul and explore it.”
