Michelle Pfeiffer Reveals Why She Broke Marriage Pact

Michelle Pfeiffer is opening up about the reason she finally broke one of the longest-standing rules in her marriage.

The actress has spent more than three decades avoiding professional collaborations with her husband, David E. Kelley, to protect their relationship. However, she has now revealed why she decided to make an exception for his latest project, “Margot’s Got Money Trouble,” saying her connection to the character ultimately made the choice feel worth it.

Michelle Pfeiffer ‘Fell Madly In Love’ With A Character In Her Husband’s New Series

For years, Pfeiffer intentionally avoided working with her husband despite his status as one of Hollywood’s most prolific producers. That position changed recently with Kelley’s new series, “Margot’s Got Money Trouble.”

The decision has naturally drawn interest, and Pfeiffer recently explained the shift during an appearance on “Today.”

The Emmy nominee said she first noticed the book that inspired the series sitting on her kitchen counter and was immediately intrigued by its cover. When she asked Kelley about it, he told her there was a role in the story that people thought was perfect for her.

Once she read it, Pfeiffer said she “fell madly in love” with the character, and “couldn’t imagine anyone else playing her.”

David E. Kelley Claimed Casting For The Show Was Easy

Kelley suggested the casting process came together with little difficulty, thanks in part to how strongly the actors responded to the material. Among those who quickly signed on were Nick Offerman, who plays Pfeiffer’s character’s ex-husband, and Elle Fanning, who leads the series as Margot Millet.

Kelley also said he felt especially lucky that his wife agreed to take on the role, joking that her decision ranked just behind another major yes from decades ago.

“When I read the book, I could only see one person playing it, and we’re lucky enough that she said yes, the second luckiest yes I’ve gotten from her,” he said.

Michelle Pfeiffer Had A Pact With Husband To Keep Work And Personal Life Separate

Pfeiffer’s long-standing decision not to work with her husband originated from a pact they made early in their marriage to keep their professional and personal lives separate.

She first opened up about the agreement in a 2021 interview with The New Yorker, explaining that even strong couples can run into trouble once they start working together. Pfeiffer later reiterated that view during a 2022 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

“I value our relationship more than a good part, and I just think it’s too risky,” she said, per Fox News.

She went on to explain why the arrangement mattered so much to her, adding, “We’re both fierce when we work, so if I come home and I’ve had a bad day, and I’m upset about something, I want him to be on my side because he hasn’t heard the other side. There’s value in that.”

Michelle Pfeiffer Learned Some Lessons From Working With Her Husband

While promoting the show at the SXSW Film & TV Festival last month, Pfeiffer spoke about what it was like to finally work with Kelley after all these years.

“I learned that he likes you to take all of your questions to the director, and I’m fine with that,” she said, as reported by PEOPLE Magazine. “It was actually one of the best productions I’ve ever worked on. It was honestly so beautiful.”

The three-time Oscar nominee also made clear that she had no complaints about her husband’s work, praising both the writing and the ensemble behind the project.

Kelley Enjoyed Working With His Wife

Meanwhile, Kelley reflected on finally collaborating with his wife, saying the experience gave him an even deeper appreciation for her talent.

Although he had long admired Pfeiffer’s work, he explained that watching her perform material he had written for the first time allowed him to fully see what she brought to the words on the page, rather than simply watching her disappear into a character as a viewer.

Overall, Kelley said he came away “pretty impressed” by his wife’s performance. Pfeiffer admitted his praise meant a great deal to her and said she had felt a strong desire not to let him down.