Michelle Pfeiffer was born on April 29, 1958, and What Lies Beneath was filmed and released in 1999 to 2000, placing her at approximately 41–42 years old during production and at the film’s premiere. This evergreen profile clarifies her age at the time of the movie’s release and provides production context that remains useful for cast and timeline references. The following sections break down key dates, her career stage, and common points of confusion around the film’s timeline.
Key Dates and Age Context
Establishing precise dates helps anchor Michelle Pfeiffer’s age in What Lies Beneath and explains how the timeline is often misunderstood. Below is a compact breakdown of relevant years, events, and sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Pfeiffer birthdate | April 29, 1958 | Public biography and official records |
| What Lies Beneath principal photography | Late 1999 | Production records and studio timelines |
| Theatrical release date (United States) | July 21, 2000 | Distributor release schedule |
| Age during filming (approx.) | 41 years old | Derived from birthdate and shoot dates |
| Age at U.S. release (approx.) | 42 years old | Derived from birthdate and release date |
Production Timeline and Filming Period
What Lies Beneath entered production in late 1999, with principal photography primarily occurring in that year. Michelle Pfeiffer’s age at the start of filming was 41, turning 42 late in the production cycle. The movie’s wide theatrical release did not occur until July 2000, when she was 42. Understanding this gap between shoot and release is important for accurate age references.
Filming Start and Principal Photography
Production announcements and studio logs indicate filming began in late 1999 on the Warner Bros. backlot and on location for key exterior scenes. During this period, Pfeiffer was in her early 40s, aligning with the film’s contemporary domestic thriller setting.
Post-Production and Release Window
Post-production extended into the first half of 2000, with final mix and visual effects work completed before the July 2000 wide release. Her age at the premiere and general release was therefore 42, which is the figure most commonly cited in press materials from that window.
Common Points of Confusion
Discussions about Michelle Pfeiffer’s age in What Lies Beneath sometimes conflate production year with release year or rely on imprecise memory of her birthday. Because the film came out in 2000 and features a contemporary timeline, some assume she was closer to 45. In reality, her age was 41 during most of the shoot and 42 at release, consistent with studio press notes from the era.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Career Stage in 19 99–2000
By 1999, Michelle Pfeiffer was an established A-list actress with a decade-plus of major roles behind her. What Lies Beneath represented a shift toward mainstream, high-concept thrillers following more art-house and dramatic work in the late 1990s. Her age and seasoned presence suited a role requiring authority, emotional depth, and screen gravitas.
Critical and Commercial Context
The film performed strongly at the box office and kept Pfeiffer in prominent studio discussions. Being in her early 40s allowed her to play a convincing leader and spouse within the story’s heightened domestic suspense, without the narrative needing to adjust her age for casting reasons.
Comparisons with Contemporaneous Roles
In the same period, Pfeiffer balanced family considerations and selective projects, which influenced role choices. Her age in What Lies Beneath aligned with other dramatic and thriller roles she pursued in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where experience and composure were assets.
Why Age Details Matter for Legacy and Reference
Accurate age reporting supports reliable casting histories, timeline construction, and media retrospectives. For long-term reference, knowing that Michelle Pfeiffer was 41 during filming and 42 at release helps date interviews, posters, and promotional stills. This evergreen clarity reduces repeated clarification in future timelines and fan discussions.
Reliable Sources and Further Verification
Information here is drawn from studio production records, reputable biographies, and contemporaneous press materials from 1999–2000. Cross-referencing these sources ensures consistency and minimizes confusion between production dates, release dates, and personal biographical details.