Stunning as ever at 49.

Michelle Pfeiffer opens up about her wild youth and how motherhood has changed her

If you were to judge by Michelle Pfeiffer's powerful on-screen presence, you would never guess that the stunning Oscar-nominated actress is something of a wallflower in real life. But as the former beauty queen tells it, she's never been one to seek out the spotlight. The Fabulous Baker Boys star — who is set to make a comeback in Hairspray after a three-year hiatus from making movies — says she prefers hanging around the house with her husband, writer and producer David E. Kelley, 51, and their two children, Claudia Rose, 15, and John Henry, 13, to the red carpet any day of the week. But that doesn't mean she's finished with Hollywood. Here, the 49 year-old star opens up about how happy she is to be working again, how she's overcome her fear of the media and how her cherished family continues to define both her life and her careen.

Hairspray is quite a comeback.
I feel so blessed having been offered this movie. I feel like I'm part of something really special. And John Travolta is so much fun. After the first day of rehearsals, I called my agent in tears and said, "Thank you so much for getting me this part!"

You look just as beautiful as you did at the height of your career. What's your secret?
When I was younger, I really didn't take care of myself at all. I basically lived off Coca-Cola and cigarettes. That was my diet. As I've gotten older, I take good care of myself, and I'm happy. That's the main reason I look good — I'm happy.

In Hairspray, you play the mother of a teenager. Many Hollywood actresses won't do that, fearing it will be the end of being offered romantic leading roles.
I wanted to do the movie. How could I not do it just because my character has a daughter? That would be ridiculous.

You have two children yourself. How has motherhood changed you?
I enjoy work more now. It used to be everything, and I would obsess about it. Now it's not my whole life, so I enjoy it more. And my kids have calmed me down and made me lighter. Kids are so pure, so hopeful. There's no question I'm a more balanced person.

What kind of mother are you?
A strict one. I think it's good to give children some structure, even if it's one to rebel against. At least it leaves them something to fight for. The worst thing is to leave them wandering around with no set of values.

What makes a good mother?
I'm a supporting mother, because I didn't find growing up easy. In fact, it was a nightmare. I was wild, self-destructive and out of control. I was in trouble all the time. I was in fights at school. I cut school and was getting high on the beach and smoking in bathrooms. My parents were really surprised and shocked that I turned out well.

Do you fear your own kids growing up and leaving home?
Yes. My worry is that I'll be one of those mothers who will have everything ripped out from underneath her when the kids go off to college, like my character in What Lies Beneath.

You've said in the past that you are a shy person.
I've always been shy. I used to be paralyzed when I had to make small talk. I was the kind of person who entered a room, found the nearest corner and hoped that no one noticed me before it was time to go home. Now, I'm better at socializing.

How did you learn to cope with fame?
My publicist taught me how to deal with the press. She used to say to me, "Don't run from the press! Just stand there and let them take a picture of you!" But truly, it terrified me. I would just run. Now I let them take my picture and then I'm mostly left in peace. I can even go to the movies without being bothered much. Many other stars are jealous of that freedom.

Why did you choose to adopt your daughter back in 1992, before you met your husband?
I felt something was missing in my life. I had wanted to be a parent for a long time. I had spent more than a third of my life being independent and leading this narcissistic existence, where everything was about me. I couldn't take it any more.

Your daughter is biracial. Has that ever been an issue?
It takes more education to know how to help her deal with certain prejudices that might arise. But I love what she is and we stress that everybody has the body that's right for them, the skin that's right for them and the hair that's right for them. We encourage the kids to embrace people's differences.

After marrying David in 1993, you became pregnant right away.
I think I got pregnant the night of my wedding, or only two days before or after. In a little over a year and a half, I had a husband and two children!

How did you meet David?
We met on a blind date. Like everyone else, I had sworn I'd never go on another blind date. But my best friend, Kate, called and simply insisted. I was petrified, as I'm not very good at small talk. But I got very lucky when I met David. He's the only person I've met who's quieter than me. We went bowling with friends and didn't speak to each other!

What is the secret of your 14-year marriage?
I think compatibility is really important, and respect. That's sexy to me – that I really respect him. We're both homebodies. We love being parents. He has a wonderful family and a real feel for family, as I do. We are similar in our approach to everything, and he is romantic and cute to boot!

REPORT: BRUNO LESTER/IFA
PHOTOS: FIROOZ ZAHEDI/JBG PHOTO