Meet 'The Madison' Star, Michelle Pfeiffer's Husband, David E. Kelley, A TV Writer And Father Of Two

Michelle Pfeiffer is one of the most renowned American actresses and producers. After a brief stint of training to be a court stenographer, Pfeiffer went on to pursue a career in acting, officially making her debut in the late '70s. Her first gig was a one-episode appearance on Fantasy Island, followed by other roles in Delta House, CHiPs, B.A.D Cats, and more. Pfeiffer's first starring role came in the 1982 film, Grease 2. 

Some of her most notable works include The Russia House, Garry Marshall's Frankie and Johnny, Batman Returns, Love Field, The Age of Innocence, and more. While she did take a hiatus from her career, Pfeiffer has left a mark on the industry over the decades. Currently, Pfeiffer can be seen starring on Taylor Sheridan's The Madison, which premiered on March 14, 2026, on Paramount+. It is worth noting that during The Madison's premiere event on March 9, the 67-year-old credited her husband, David E. Kelley, for always supporting her career. If you are curious to learn more about Michelle Pfeiffer's husband, David E. Kelley, keep on reading.  

David E. Kelley was raised in Belmont by a famous hockey player and coach father 

David E. Kelley was born on April 4, 1956, in Waterville, Maine. However, he was raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, by his father, Jack Kelley. For the unversed, Jack is a famous hockey player and a member of the United States Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Playing for Boston University, Jack reportedly led his team to the NCAA finals in 1950 and 1951. He even competed on an Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) team. 

Later on, Jack returned to Boston University to coach the college team, the Terriers. He remained there for nearly a decade. To mention, when Jack coached the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association during their inaugural season of 1971-1972, David worked as a stick boy for the team.  

David E. Kelley has attended prestigious universities like Princeton and Boston University  

Coming to David E. Kelley's education, he attended Princeton University and graduated from there with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1979. During his time at Princeton, David captained the men's ice hockey team. This comes as no surprise since he grew up playing hockey, and the fact that he has a famous hockey coach as his father. Post graduating from Princeton, David E. Kelley continued his education at Boston School of Law. Here, David received a Juris Doctor. After completing his studies, David worked in the litigation department at a law firm in Boston.  

David E. Kelley is a lawyer-turned-television writer 

Although David had a steady career as a lawyer, it also inspired him to pivot to television writing. While working as an attorney, he simultaneously started writing the screenplay for a legal thriller. This led him to catch the eye of a writer on L.A. Law called Steven Bochco. His connection with Steven soon proved pivotal, helping him get his foot in Hollywood. Although David was only invited to write an episode of L.A. Law, he eventually took the reins as head writer. 

Furthermore, the original screenplay he was working on later became the hit 1987 film, From the Hip. Over the years, David. E. Kelley has become one of the most acclaimed writers and producers in the industry. Some of David's most notable works include Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, The Practice, Anatomy of a Scandal, Big Little Lies, and Nine Perfect Strangers, among others.  

David E. Kelley met his wife, Michelle Pfeiffer, on a blind date 

If reports are believed to be true, David met his now-wife, Michelle Pfeiffer, after being set up on a blind date in January 1993. Pfeiffer, during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, recalled how she initially tried to set David up with her sister instead, after turning it into a group date. She said: 

“We were in this restaurant, and there were eight of us, and somehow [David] ended up sitting across from my sister, and I ended up sitting across from his best friend.” 

Apparently, this created an awkward atmosphere where David and Pfeiffer did not speak to each other during the group date. But thankfully, two days later, the duo managed to sort things out, and less than a year later, David and Pfeiffer tied the knot on November 13, 1993. It is worth mentioning that in November 2025, David and Pfeiffer celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary, where The Madison actress posted a sweet photo of them holding hands on Instagram to celebrate the occasion.  

David E. Kelley shares two children with Michelle Pfeiffer  

Apparently, before Michelle Pfeiffer met David E. Kelley, she had entered into private adoption proceedings. And just two months after their first meeting, Pfeiffer officially adopted her daughter, Claudia Rose, in March 1993. Having tied the knot in the same year, David also went on to legally adopt Claudia. The next year, in August 1994, David and Pfeiffer welcomed their son, David Henry. Reflecting on the beginning of her relationship with David, the actress told Good Housekeeping in 2007: 

“We both got to see each other as parents before we progressed in our relationship together, and in a strange way, it took the pressure off us, as a couple...I mean, it’s a real testament to the kind of person he is, but also to the fact that sometimes the traditional way of doing things isn’t always the best way.” 

What are your thoughts on Michelle Pfeiffer's biggest supporter, her husband, David E. Kelley, amid her appearance on The Madison? Let us know.  

Also read: Olivia Rodrigo's Dating History, From Ethan Wacker To Louis Partridge, Inside The Singer's Love Life

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