Michelle Pfeiffer Shares the Moment Al Pacino Realized She Was Right for Elvira in Scarface
In a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer opened up about her fascinating audition journey for the iconic role of Elvira in the 1983 classic, Scarface.
Pfeiffer revealed that while director Brian De Palma was eager to cast her, Al Pacino initially had reservations. “Al will admit this,” she shared, “he didn’t really want me for the part.” Despite her strong first audition, Pfeiffer struggled during the two-month audition process, saying, “I just kept getting worse and worse because I was so afraid. By the end, I felt I was bad.”
Understanding Pacino’s initial skepticism, she recounted a conversation with De Palma, who informed her, “You know, doll, it’s just not gonna work out.” While she felt disappointment, she also expressed relief at finally being finished with the grueling process.
However, after a month, Pfeiffer received a call inviting her for a screen test. “I showed up and didn’t even care, because I thought there was no way I’d get the part,” she admitted. To her surprise, the screen test — particularly the intense restaurant scene where her character explodes in emotion — turned out to be her standout performance.
An unexpected incident during the audition played a crucial role in securing her the role. “I swiped the table, and dishes and glasses shattered, causing a chaotic scene with blood everywhere,” she recalled. “Everyone rushed over to check on me, but I had actually cut Al!” Pfeiffer humorously noted that this mishap might have been the turning point for Pacino, who began to see her in a new light.
Scarface, directed by Brian De Palma, tells the gripping story of Tony Montana (played by Pacino), a Cuban immigrant who rises to become Miami’s most notorious drug smuggler, only to be ultimately consumed by his own addiction. Elvira, portrayed by Pfeiffer, is Tony’s troubled wife, a socialite grappling with her own demons, and the former lover of his boss, Frank Lopez (played by Robert Loggia).
This behind-the-scenes revelation adds another layer to the legacy of Scarface, highlighting the intense dynamics of casting and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood auditions.
