9. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer’s magnetic screen presence captivated audiences in ‘Scarface’ (1983) and ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’ (1989). Her blend of vulnerability and toughness made her one of the decade’s most versatile actresses, elevating the standard for leading women. In ‘Scarface,’ she portrayed Elvira Hancock, the glamorous yet tragic love interest of Tony Montana, a role that marked a significant turning point in her career. Reflecting on her experience, Pfeiffer admitted, “I was terrified. And it was a six-month shoot… I would go to sleep some nights crying” (showtimes.com). In ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys,’ she played Susie Diamond, a lounge singer who revitalizes the act of two brothers. Her performance, particularly her rendition of “Makin’ Whoopee” atop a grand piano, earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
