When Art and Reality Collide: The Untold Story of Michelle Pfeiffer and John Malkovich
Back in 1988, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer shared the screen in the film adaptation of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” known as “Dangerous Liaisons.”
Their roles as Victomte Sebastien de Valmont and Madame de Tourvel, respectively, captivated audiences and earned them numerous award nominations.
However, what unfolded behind the scenes was a captivating tale of its own.
Rumors had it that Malkovich and Pfeiffer had an affair during the filming of “Dangerous Liaisons,” mirroring the passionate connection between their characters.
This relationship, as revealed by the film’s director Stephen Frears in a 2003 interview with The New York Times Magazine, caused significant turmoil for Malkovich.
He admitted that the convergence of reality and art overwhelmed him, even though he was known for his penchant for misbehavior.
So, what exactly transpired between the two actors and what were the consequences of this “dangerous liaison”?
While the details of Malkovich and Pfeiffer’s affair remain elusive, Malkovich himself has been open about the aftermath.
In a Rolling Stone interview published in 2019 but conducted in 2010, Malkovich discussed the turbulent years that followed the affair and ultimately led to his divorce from Glenne Headly, his wife at the time.
The affair coincided with the end of Malkovich’s marriage to Headly, known for her role in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
However, his relationship with Pfeiffer didn’t progress much further, leaving Malkovich in a state of depression.
This compelled him to seek therapy, which he described as initially challenging.
In the early stages, he struggled to articulate his feelings, resorting to making noises instead.
Over time, he found solace in therapy and gradually began to communicate.
Despite Malkovich’s willingness to discuss his involvement with Pfeiffer, she has remained tight-lipped about the affair even after more than three decades.
When the affair occurred, Pfeiffer was married to her first husband, Peter Horton.
Though their marriage ended around the same time, Pfeiffer attributed their separation to personal growth and evolving needs rather than the affair.
In a 1988 interview with Interview magazine, she emphasized that their split was amicable and that they remained close friends.
Interestingly, Malkovich was not mentioned at all, leaving some unanswered questions.
In a 2008 interview with Esquire, Malkovich offered vague responses when questioned about his affair with Pfeiffer.
He expressed astonishment that such a connection had ever occurred and admitted to mentally blocking it out.
Malkovich preferred to imagine that his former love interests were unaffected by his existence.
Based on Pfeiffer’s silence on the matter, it seems he might have succeeded in maintaining that illusion.
The story of Michelle Pfeiffer and John Malkovich’s affair remains a fascinating tale of passion, consequences, and personal growth.
Even after all these years, the full truth may never be revealed, leaving us to ponder the mysteries of their “dangerous liaison.”
