Remember that girl from the ’80s who made everyone’s heart skip a beat? Yep, we’re talking about the one and only Phoebe Cates. Her stunning looks, unforgettable roles, and undeniable charm left a lasting impression on pop culture, making her an eternal teenage crush for many.
But whatever happened to this beauty who once graced the silver screen? In this article, we’re gonna take a closer look at Cates’ journey from being a rising star to her decision to step away from the limelight and what she’s been doing since then.
Phoebe Cates Early Career And Rise To Fame
Phoebe Cates truly became a household name after playing Linda Barrett in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ The iconic pool scene, where she emerges in a bright red bikini, had moviegoers’ jaws dropping and helped cement her status as an ’80s heartthrob.
She continued to dazzle audiences with her performances in a variety of films and TV shows after her breakthrough role in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ She fought off mischievous creatures in the hit films ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Gremlins II.’ She then portrayed a young woman navigating the fast-paced world of New York City in ‘Bright Lights, Big City.’
Cates also danced her way into our hearts in the coming-of-age film ‘Shag,’ and took on a more dramatic role in ‘Heart of Dixie.’ Her comedic talents shone through in ‘Drop Dead Fred,’ and she captivated television audiences with her performance in the miniseries ‘Lace.’ In fact, her most popular line in the series, ‘Which one of you b*tches is my mother,’ was named the greatest one in television history by TV Guide in 1993.
Personal Life and Marriage To Kevin Kline
Phoebe’s love life caught the public’s attention when she started dating actor Kevin Kline, who is 16 years her senior. Despite the age difference, the two seemed to share a strong bond and mutual respect. They eventually tied the knot in 1989, and they’ve been happily married ever since.
The couple has two children: Owen Joseph, born in 1991, and Greta Simone, born in 1994. Greta, now 28, has followed in her parents’ artistic footsteps as the lead singer of the indie rock band Frankie Cosmos.
Her Decision to Step Away from Acting
At the height of her career, Phoebe made the surprising decision to step away from acting in order to focus on her family life. In a 1998 interview with Playboy, Kevin Kline mentioned that the couple had an agreement to alternate work schedules so that one parent would always be home with their children. However, Cates consistently chose to stay with the kids instead of pursuing acting opportunities.
Despite leaving Hollywood behind, Phoebe briefly returned to the screen on two occasions. In 2001, she starred in ‘The Anniversary Party,’ which was directed by her ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ co-star, Jennifer Jason Leigh. Then, in 2015, she lent her voice to her ‘Gremlins’ character, Kate Beringer, for the video game ‘Lego Dimensions.’
Life After Acting
Phoebe has been keeping herself busy since leaving the acting world. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique in Manhattan offering a range of unique items, from clothing and jewelry to antiques and vintage LPs. The store is a reflection of her eclectic tastes and creativity, showcasing her passion for curating interesting and diverse products for her customers.
Although Phoebe has stepped away from the limelight, she occasionally accompanies her husband, Kevin Kline, who is still active in the acting industry, on red-carpet events. Her appearances serve as a reminder of her timeless beauty and charm, which continue to captivate fans even years after her departure from Hollywood. Supporting her husband’s career, Phoebe has managed to balance her personal life, entrepreneurial pursuits, and occasional public appearances with grace and poise.
Leaving Behind A Lasting Legacy
Phoebe Cates may have chosen a quieter life away from the spotlight, but her impact on pop culture and her unforgettable roles will forever be remembered. Today, she continues to prioritize her family and personal life, and her happiness comes to show that she made the right decision for herself and her loved ones.
