Michelle Pfeiffer is making headlines, not just for her role in the Apple+ TV series “Margot’s Got Money Troubles,” but for breaking a personal rule: working with her husband, the renowned showrunner David E. Kelley. After 32 years of marriage and a firm pact to keep work and home life separate, the couple is stepping into a new chapter, collaborating on this highly-anticipated project.
Kelley's adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s best-selling book brings Pfeiffer to the screen as Shyanne Millet, a former Hooter’s waitress navigating life's unexpected turns. The storyline follows Shyanne's daughter, Margot, played by Elle Fanning, who turns to an OnlyFans account after facing financial woes due to an unplanned pregnancy.
“My husband and I have never worked together,” Pfeiffer shared on "Today." "But I fell madly in love with the character and couldn’t imagine anyone else playing her."
The couple’s journey began in 1993, after a blind date that, despite initial awkwardness, blossomed into a lasting partnership. They decided early on to sidestep the potential pitfalls of mixing business with personal life, fearing it could jeopardize their bond – a concern Pfeiffer expressed candidly in various interviews.
However, the allure of Shyanne, a role set in Pfeiffer’s own Southern California roots, proved irresistible. The actress saw herself in the character, a personal connection that ultimately swayed her longstanding decision. "The role was too good to pass up," she admitted.
The show boasts an impressive lineup, including Nick Offerman as Shyanne’s ex-husband and Margo’s father, and a supporting cast featuring Nicole Kidman, Marcia Gay Harden, and Greg Kinnear. During a press event, Kelley praised the seamless casting process: "Everyone fell in love with it."
Kelley's admiration for Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Shyanne was evident. He described her performance as a "home run," highlighting her ability to convey the character’s fierce love beneath a tough exterior. "We were all thrilled with the way she brought Shyanne to life," he gushed during an interview.
Despite initial nerves about working with her spouse, Pfeiffer reflected positively on the experience, revealing a newfound appreciation for Kelley's work and a deeper understanding of his creative process. "Of all the people on the planet, I did not want to disappoint him," she confessed.
With "Margot’s Got Money Troubles" set to captivate audiences, Pfeiffer and Kelley’s bold leap into collaborative territory is already generating buzz – and perhaps setting the stage for future joint ventures.