Why Michelle Pfeiffer ‘Never’ Wants to ‘Star in Another Movie’ Again

Michelle Pfeiffer is done chasing solo leading roles, and she's not shy about saying so. The screen veteran says ensemble casts have reignited her passion for acting in ways a solo spotlight never could.

Michelle Pfeiffer has landed on a new career philosophy after starring in two acclaimed series this year, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" and "The Madison" — and her stance might catch some fans off guard.

The 68-year-old actress opened up about her shifting priorities at The Hollywood Reporter and Apple TV's Leading the Narrative: The Women of Apple TV event on Sunday, August 2.

Seated beside fellow Emmy nominees Elle Fanning, Dale Dickey, Karolina Wydra, Rhea Seehorn, and Jessica Williams, Pfeiffer didn't mince words:

"I never want to star in another movie, I swear to God. I only want to do ensemble pieces. It's so much more fun, I love it so much."

It's a striking admission from an actress whose résumé is stacked with critical acclaim, and who has shared the screen with heavyweights like Al Pacino and the late Robert Redford.

After decades in film, Pfeiffer says she's especially energized by the current wave of female-driven television. "I've just been so bowled over by the female performances on television and honestly," she continued, "They're just really owning TV."

Her current role as Shyanne Millet — opposite Fanning's title character in "Margo's Got Money Troubles," which also features Nicole Kidman and Nick Offerman — has proven to be a career highlight.

The dark comedy follows Margo, a college dropout who turns to OnlyFans to support herself and her newborn. Pfeiffer's character, Shyanne, is a former Hooters waitress known for her daring fashion sense and standout veneers.

"I love how complicated and flawed all these characters are, and it really reminds me of that famous Robin Williams quote where he says, 'Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, and be kind,'" the "Scarface" star said.

She added, "That kind of, for me, sums up the show and the message of the show, and I'm really proud to be a part of it."

Pfeiffer also revealed that offscreen, she considers herself "the wallflower," adding that playing someone so different was a thrill:

"It was so fun to be able to live vicariously through her and to see the looks on the crew's faces whenever Shyanne would show up to the set. They were just, 'Oh God, now look what she's wearing!' Everybody needs a little Shyanne in their life and in their closet."

The actress's husband of more than 30 years, David E. Kelley, also worked on the Apple TV project as showrunner. Reflecting on finally collaborating with the writer behind "Ally McBeal" and "Big Little Lies," Pfeiffer told IndieWire, "All these years I sat on the sidelines."

"I was in envy of all of these other actors getting to speak his words, because boy can he write dialogue. I would turn to him every now and then: 'I hope these actors realize how lucky they are to be saying these words,'" she confessed.

Looking back on teaming up with her husband for the series, Pfeiffer summed it up simply: "I was excited about that."