Michelle Pfeiffer Embraces TV Roles Despite Mixed Feelings

The acclaimed actress is busier than ever, starring in two new shows that showcase her emotional depth and versatility.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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At 67, Michelle Pfeiffer is experiencing a career resurgence, taking on two high-profile TV roles that showcase her acting prowess. Despite her mixed feelings about the industry and her tendency to obsess over her work, Pfeiffer has embraced these new opportunities, drawing on her own life experiences to bring depth and authenticity to her characters. The article explores Pfeiffer's evolution as an actress, her struggle with perfectionism, and how motherhood has impacted her approach to her craft.

Why it matters

Pfeiffer's return to television after decades of focusing on film roles highlights the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, where acclaimed movie stars are increasingly finding compelling opportunities in the small-screen medium. Her willingness to take on complex, flawed characters also reflects a broader trend of older actresses being given more nuanced, multidimensional parts that defy stereotypes.

The details

Pfeiffer is starring in two new TV shows this spring: "The Madison," a drama from Taylor Sheridan, and "Margo's Got Money Troubles," a dramedy created by her husband, David E. Kelley. Both roles required Pfeiffer to draw on her considerable acting skills, with "The Madison" challenging her to portray a wealthy Manhattan matriarch learning self-sufficiency and "Margo's Got Money Troubles" allowing her to tap into her own background to play a former Hooters waitress. Despite her initial trepidation about the parts, Pfeiffer's performances have been praised for their emotional depth and authenticity.

  • Pfeiffer's first major TV role in decades was in the 2017 HBO film "The Wizard of Lies."
  • "The Madison" shot two six-episode seasons, about a year apart.
  • "Margo's Got Money Troubles" debuted on April 15, 2026.

The players

Michelle Pfeiffer

A 67-year-old acclaimed actress who is experiencing a career resurgence with two new TV roles, despite her mixed feelings about the industry and her tendency to obsess over her work.

David E. Kelley

Pfeiffer's husband, a prolific writer and producer who created the series "Margo's Got Money Troubles" specifically for his wife.

Taylor Sheridan

The writer and director of "The Madison," who specifically sought out Pfeiffer for the lead role of Stacy Clyburn.

Elle Fanning

Pfeiffer's co-star in "Margo's Got Money Troubles," who praised the actress's "astounding balance of fight and vulnerability" in the role.

Kurt Russell

Pfeiffer's co-star in the 1988 film "Tequila Sunrise," who observed that Pfeiffer's naturalistic performances are the result of hard work, not effortlessness.

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What they’re saying

“She has a gaze that can completely level you.”

— Elle Chapman, Co-star in "The Madison"

“I honestly don't know how Michelle was able to access that level of emotion take after take, and day after day.”

— Taylor Sheridan, Writer and director of "The Madison"

“When you watch Michelle, you never know which way she's going to play it.”

— Elle Fanning, Co-star in "Margo's Got Money Troubles"

What’s next

Pfeiffer is expected to continue promoting her new TV shows and discussing her evolving approach to acting as she balances her career with her personal life.

The takeaway

Despite her initial trepidation, Pfeiffer's willingness to take on complex, flawed characters in her latest TV roles showcases her remarkable acting range and emotional depth, challenging stereotypes about older actresses in Hollywood and demonstrating her enduring talent and commitment to her craft.