Looking Back at Michelle Pfeiffer’s Most Iconic Movie Roles
From Elvira Hancock to Catwoman, the blue-eyed actress has an enviable list of famous characters under her belt.
Few actresses have had the fortune of interpreting timeless roles that still remain popular today. Ever since her big-screen debut back in 1980, American actress Michelle Pfeiffer rapidly turned into one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed figures. Covering a wide variety of genres, Pfeiffer has portrayed iconic roles from superhero-action films to campy musicals. Showcasing her talent with every performance, the stunning blue-eyed actress has starred alongside legendary names like Al Pacino, Danny DeVito, and Michael Keaton, just to list a few.
Although the actress has stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, she returned to the big screen in 2017 with roles in Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and The Wizard of Lies (2017). Today, Pfeiffer keeps a low profile with her family and husband, David E. Kelley, in Los Angeles.
In celebration of her birthday, L’OFFICEL looks back at the actress’s most memorable movie roles.
Scarface (1983)
Starring alongside Al Pacino, Pfeiffer makes her big breakthrough in the 1983 film Scarface. In the popular American crime drama, the actress perfectly embodies the character of the glamorous Elvira Hancock wearing a deep blue silk gown, blonde bob haircut, and always with a cigarette in hand.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
With Cher and Susan Sarandon as her co-star witches, this 1987 fantasy movie is a fan-favorite. Pfeiffer plays Sukie Ridgemont, a mother of six, who, like the other two, is unknowingly a witch. When a mysterious man enters their lives, bad things begin to happen and they must realize their powers.
The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)
Pfeiffer's versatility as an actress is proven in the 1989 musical film The Fabulous Baker Boys. In an iconic piano scene, the actress embodies her role of Susie Diamond in a silky red dress while singing the tune “Makin’ Whoopee” alongside co-stars Beau Bridges and Jeff Bridges.
Frankie & Johnny (1991)
Eight years after co-starring in Scarface, Pfeiffer and Pacino return to the big screen for the 1991 film Frankie & Johnny. In this romantic comedy, Pfeiffer plays the role of Frankie, an NYC diner waitress that gets persuaded romantically by cook Johnny.
Batman Returns (1992)
Directed by Tim Burton, the American actress stars as the villain Selina Kyla AKA Catwoman in the hallmark film Batman Returns. Alongside A-list actors Danny Devito and Michael Keaton, Pfeiffer’s performance is a showstopper as she entices Marvel fans with her distinctive latex Catwoman costume.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Pfeiffer embodies the role of Countess Ellen Olenska for Martin Scorsese’s film The Age of Innocence. Dressed in Victorian-inspired gowns, the actress portrays a widow living in 19th century New York high society. The plot unfolds as Newland Archer, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, falls in love with Pfeiffer’s character while engaged to the beautiful and innocent May Welland, portrayed by Winona Ryder.
Hairspray (2007)
The 2007 movie version of the hit Broadway musical features Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle, a racist and sizeist TV manager who wants to keep African-American dancers and the main character, Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), off the air. Not only does Pfeiffer get her own musical number, we also see her attempt to seduce Tracy's dad, Wilbur (Christopher Walken), in one of her schemes.
