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, 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.