The film star “chose really well” when it came to her second husband. Interestingly, she initially thought her sister might have been a better fit for him.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
The Academy Award winner explained that their relationship is too important to risk, as both are intensely passionate about their work.
“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.”
The admiration for Michelle and David’s enduring relationship is matched by the veteran actress’s candidness about aging.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s journey through love, family, and career reflects her grounded authenticity and resilience. Whether embracing challenges or candidly addressing personal topics, she continues to inspire fans with her grace, strength, and timeless charm.
