Direct Answer
Michelle Pfeiffer was 24 years old during the principal filming of Scarface in 1983. She was born on April 29, 1958, and production on the Brian De Palma–directed crime drama ran from October 1982 through early 1983. Her performance as Elvira Hancock remains one of her most iconic roles, often cited as a turning point in her career. This profile clarifies her age on set using verifiable timelines and production records.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Birth Date and Early Career
Born on April 29, 1958, in Santa Ana, California, Michelle Pfeiffer began her career in the late 1970s with modest television appearances and film roles. By the time Scarface entered production, she had already appeared in movies like The Hollywood Knights (1980) and Endless Love (1981). Understanding her birth year is essential to establishing her precise age during the shoot.
Production Timeline and Principal Photography
Principal photography for Scarface began in October 1982 and continued into early 1983. Studio schedules, location requirements, and the film’s ambitious scope defined a demanding shoot. Estimating Pfeiffer’s age requires aligning her birth date with these months, confirming she turned 24 in April 1982 and remained that age for the majority of filming.
Key Dates and Verified Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1958 | Public Biography |
| Principal Filming Dates | October 1982 – Early 1983 | Production Records |
| Age During Filming | 24 years old for most of the shoot | Calculated from Birth and Filming Dates |
| Theatrical Release | December 9, 1983 (US) | Studio Release History |
Context Within the Film and Career
By the time Scarface reached theaters in December 1983, Pfeiffer was 25 for most of the promotional circuit, though her age on set remains 24. The role of Elvira Hancock showcased her range and helped transition her from emerging talent to established leading lady. Subsequent films such as Dangerous Liaisons and Batman Returns further cemented her status as a top-tier actress.
Comparison With Cast Ages
Placing her age in context helps clarify her relative experience on set. Below is a concise snapshot of main cast ages during production.
- Al Pacino (Tony Montana): Born in 1940, making him approximately 42–43 during filming.
- Michelle Pfeiffer (Elvira Hancock): 24 years old during production.
- Steven Bauer (Manny): Born in 1956, roughly 26–27 during filming.
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Gina): Born in 1958, about 24–25, similar to Pfeiffer.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because the film’s release followed production by over a year, audiences sometimes conflate her promotional-age with on-set age. Verifying production schedules and her birth date eliminates this ambiguity. Her age is consistently documented across reputable biographies and studio archives, reinforcing the 24-year calculation.
Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
The transparency around casting ages and timelines supports accurate reporting in retrospectives and biographical pieces. Reliable data points—birth date, start and wrap dates, and release information—allow clear, repeatable calculations. This approach applies not only to Michelle Pfeiffer but also to cast and crew across film history.
Summary
Michelle Pfeiffer was 24 years old for the majority of the Scarface shoot in 1982–1983. Her birth on April 29, 1958, combined with an October 1982 start date, confirms this age at principal photography. The distinction between her age on set versus at release, alongside verified production records, ensures clarity for ongoing discussions of her early career.