Michelle Pfeiffer is finally breaking her long-standing marriage rule. The acclaimed actress has teamed up with her husband, renowned TV showrunner David E. Kelley, for the Apple+ series "Margot's Got Money Troubles." Based on Rufi Thorpe’s bestseller, the show marks a significant first for the couple after three decades of marriage.
In this new venture, Pfeiffer stars as Shyanne Millet, a former Hooters waitress navigating the challenges of unexpected motherhood. Her daughter Margot, played by Elle Fanning, turns to OnlyFans after financial struggles. The project is a unique blend of drama and comedy that both Pfeiffer and Kelley couldn't resist.
Though they previously vowed never to work together, citing potential risks to their relationship, Pfeiffer revealed the role was too enticing to pass up. Appearing on "Today," she shared her initial intrigue when Kelley casually mentioned a book he had optioned, hinting that a particular role seemed tailor-made for her.
"I just fell madly in love with her and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing her," Pfeiffer confessed.
The Orange County setting of "Margot's Got Money Troubles," close to Pfeiffer's own upbringing, further drew her to the role. Her connection to the character of Shyanne, an unprepared single mother, mirrored Pfeiffer's personal experiences, making the project a heartfelt endeavor.
The Pfeiffer-Kelley pact to keep their professional lives separate was originally rooted in concern for their marriage. "I’ve seen a lot of couples where they seem to have a really great marriage, and then they work together and next year they’re filing for divorce," Pfeiffer once told The New Yorker. Despite these concerns, Kelley’s skillful writing for women, which Pfeiffer has long admired, made this collaboration feel right.
At a press event for the show, Kelley expressed his admiration for Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Shyanne, highlighting her ability to blend vulnerability and strength. "We were all thrilled with the way she brought Shyanne to life," he said. Pfeiffer reciprocated the praise, jokingly noting that Kelley was more complimentary than usual about her performance.
Their journey to this point hasn’t been conventional. Pfeiffer and Kelley met on a blind date in 1993 and quickly formed a family. Pfeiffer adopted her daughter Claudia before marrying Kelley, who later adopted Claudia himself. The couple also has a son, John Henry.
As "Margot’s Got Money Troubles" premieres, the couple's fans are eager to see if this collaboration adds a new dimension to their storied relationship. With Pfeiffer's glowing performance and Kelley's adept storytelling, their creative partnership may prove just as enduring as their personal one.