SmartLess

Michelle Pfeiffer

September 29, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Michelle Pfeiffer revealed that her first television credit was a single line on *Fantasy Island* where she played one of the 'lost women' lusting after a guest star. 
  • Pfeiffer discussed how her approach to acting has evolved, now prioritizing being present and enjoying the work over the intense self-criticism and angst she previously experienced. 
  • The experience of screen-testing for *Scarface* involved Pfeiffer being so unconcerned after being told she wouldn't get the part that she performed her best work and accidentally cut Al Pacino's finger. 
  • Michelle Pfeiffer is highly regarded by the hosts for being an incredibly cool, down-to-earth actress whose talent shines through, overshadowing her beauty. 
  • The hosts joke about the necessity of being provocative or even slightly aggressive in a performance to keep the audience engaged, referencing an incident where someone cut Al's finger. 
  • One host recounted watching the movie *Grease* seven times in a row in a theater during the early 80s simply because the theater was cool and cheap, only leaving when the lighter ran out of butane. 

Segments

Slang and Aging Discussion
Copied to clipboard!
(00:01:16)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts attempt to define contemporary slang terms like ‘sus,’ ‘riz,’ and ‘zesty,’ highlighting a generational gap in language.
  • Summary: The hosts inquire about the meaning of current slang, such as ‘sus’ (suspect) and ‘zesty,’ indicating a struggle to keep up with youth vernacular. One host admits to looking up the definition of ‘chugi’ (outdated or trying too hard) during the conversation. This segment establishes a lighthearted theme of aging and cultural relevance.
Theater Anecdote and Slang
Copied to clipboard!
(00:03:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Sean recounted an incident where he publicly signaled to a theater audience member who was falling asleep during his performance.
  • Summary: Sean described pointing out a woman in the front row who was nodding off during his play, mouthing ‘You gotta go nine nine’ to prompt her to leave. The hosts then debated the meaning of ‘chopped’ (busted or broken up), which one host had to look up. This section reinforces the theme of the hosts being out of touch with current slang.
Gum Chewing and Nicotine Pouches
Copied to clipboard!
(00:05:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The conversation briefly touched upon the hosts’ habits of chewing gum and one host admitting to using nicotine pouches.
  • Summary: The discussion pivoted to chewing gum habits, with one host admitting to using a nicotine pouch. This led to a brief mention of sponsors like David Power Bar and a shared appreciation for McConnell’s ice cream.
Bad Jokes Segment
Copied to clipboard!
(00:05:57)
  • Key Takeaway: Will told a lengthy, poorly received joke about a talking horse and an alternator, which was immediately followed by a string-based joke that was deemed only slightly better.
  • Summary: Will shared a convoluted joke involving a talking horse diagnosing a car’s alternator issue, which the hosts heavily criticized. Jason followed up with a classic joke about two pieces of string tying themselves together to be served beer in a bar. The segment concluded with the hosts agreeing to leave the bad jokes in the final edit.
Introducing Michelle Pfeiffer
Copied to clipboard!
(00:09:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Michelle Pfeiffer was introduced as an iconic, A-list actress nominated for three Academy Awards who has worked with legends like Pacino, De Niro, and Nicholson.
  • Summary: The hosts introduced Michelle Pfeiffer, highlighting her extensive career and iconic roles, including Catwoman. Pfeiffer mentioned she was preparing to return to Montana to film more of The Madison. The hosts expressed their excitement, noting this meeting was long overdue.
Early Career and Stenography Trauma
Copied to clipboard!
(00:10:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer revealed she initially took acting in high school to avoid a grammar class, and later quit court reporting school because the constant transcription made her hands move involuntarily.
  • Summary: Pfeiffer confirmed her first TV credit was Fantasy Island where she had one line in the episode ‘The Island of Lost Women.’ She explained that she pursued acting after finding high school theater preferable to grammar class. The intense study required for court reporting caused her hands to mimic stenography movements even when speaking normally.
Grease 2 and Film Favorites
Copied to clipboard!
(00:17:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer cited ‘A Girl for All Seasons’ as a favorite ridiculous moment from Grease 2, and noted that The Fabulous Baker Boys is a favorite film where she enjoyed the experience.
  • Summary: Jason expressed his deep affection for Grease 2, prompting Pfeiffer to name her favorite scene involving her dressed as a Christmas tree. She confirmed that Grease 2 has a cult following, and that she keeps the scripts from her films, though some have become mildewy.
Longevity and Career Balance
Copied to clipboard!
(00:21:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer stated she enjoys acting more now because she is more relaxed and less focused on the angst of the process, a shift partly influenced by becoming a grandmother.
  • Summary: Pfeiffer admitted she doesn’t often reflect on her longevity but noted that the current influx of work, including The Madison and an Apple TV show, is making her ‘a little too busy.’ She finds she is bringing more of herself to roles now by abandoning the need to over-analyze every detail of the process.
Evolving Roles for Women
Copied to clipboard!
(00:33:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer believes roles for women, especially on television and streaming platforms, have significantly improved, leading to more opportunities for actresses of her age.
  • Summary: Pfeiffer noted that the abundance of content on streamers has created better roles for women, and there is a greater appreciation for older actresses now than decades ago. She contrasted this with the past, where doing television could jeopardize a film career, citing the shift brought by shows like True Detective.
Working with David E. Kelley
Copied to clipboard!
(00:40:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer established a boundary with her husband, David E. Kelley, during their first professional collaboration, deferring directorial questions to the actual director.
  • Summary: Pfeiffer stated that she cherishes her marriage and was nervous about working with Kelley, but they established boundaries early on. She found her character in Margo’s Got Money Troubles to be perfectly written for her, describing the character as a ‘real housewife of Fullerton Wannabe.’
Scarface Experience and Audition
Copied to clipboard!
(00:49:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Pfeiffer secured her role in Scarface only after a month-long break from auditioning, performing her best work during the screen test where she accidentally cut Al Pacino’s finger.
  • Summary: Pfeiffer was terrified during the initial Scarface auditions because Al Pacino did not initially want her for the role, and she felt inexperienced at 23. After being told she wouldn’t get the part, she returned for a screen test with a ‘sexy indifference,’ leading to the memorable scene where she broke dishes and cut Pacino’s hand.
Guest Departure and Gratitude
Copied to clipboard!
(00:55:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts expressed sincere appreciation for Michelle Pfeiffer’s time and presence on the SmartLess episode.
  • Summary: The hosts thanked Michelle Pfeiffer for joining the podcast, noting they had taken up too much of her time. They emphasized what a pleasure and an honor it was to have her as a guest. The segment concluded with final goodbyes and lighthearted instructions for ending the recording.
Post-Guest Reflection on Pfeiffer
Copied to clipboard!
(00:56:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Michelle Pfeiffer is perceived as exceptionally cool, down-to-earth, and a superior performer whose beauty is secondary to her acting talent.
  • Summary: The hosts immediately praised Michelle Pfeiffer’s coolness and down-to-earth nature following her departure. They agreed that her acting ability is the primary quality that shines through, contrasting her with actors whose appeal relies mostly on being ’eye candy.’ One host questioned if mentioning Grease 2 excessively was awkward, which the others suggested cutting.
Grease Movie Fandom Anecdote
Copied to clipboard!
(00:58:05)
  • Key Takeaway: A host watched the original Grease seven times consecutively in a theater in the early 1980s because the air conditioning kept them cool while they were ’tweaking’ in the Valley.
  • Summary: A host detailed watching the first Grease movie seven times in a row with his sister in a West Valley theater when they were around 11 or 12 years old. The only reason they stopped attending was that the lighter they were using ran out of butane. The theater provided a cool escape from the heat prevalent in the Valley during that era.