Phoebe Cates is a name that instantly transports you back to the golden age of 80s teen cinema. With her effortless charm and unforgettable performances, she became a household name thanks to iconic films like *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* and *Gremlins*. But there’s so much more to her story than just on-screen magic. So, what happened to Phoebe Cates after her Hollywood heyday? How did she transition from teen queen to a successful businesswoman in New York City? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the life and legacy of this beloved star, you’ve come to the right place.
Born Phoebe Belle Cates Kline on July 16, 1963, in New York City, she grew up surrounded by creativity and culture. Her parents, Lily and Joseph Cates, raised her in a world that would eventually lead her to modeling and acting. As she got older, her natural beauty and screen presence caught the attention of Hollywood, and the rest, as they say, is history.
From her breakout role in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* to her unforgettable turn in *Gremlins*, Phoebe Cates became a symbol of youthful rebellion and charm. But unlike many of her contemporaries, she chose a quieter path after her time in the spotlight. Today, she leads a life far removed from Hollywood glitz, focusing instead on her family and her boutique, Blue Tree, on Madison Avenue.
Table of Contents
- Biography
- Early Life and Career
- Iconic Film Roles
- Life After Hollywood
- Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline
- FAQ Section
Biography
Full Name | Phoebe Belle Cates Kline |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 16, 1963 |
Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
Occupation | Actress, Model, Businesswoman |
Years Active | 1979–2002 |
Spouse | Kevin Kline (m. 1989) |
Children | Owen Kline, Greta Kline |
Notable Roles | Stacy Hamilton in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*, Kate Beringer in *Gremlins* |
Current Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
Business Venture | Owner of Blue Tree boutique on Madison Avenue |
Early Life and Career
Phoebe Cates grew up in New York City, where she was surrounded by the arts from a young age. Her father was a physician, and her mother worked in the fashion industry, which might explain her early gravitation toward modeling. By the time she was a teenager, she was already working as a model, which eventually led to her first acting opportunities.
She made her acting debut in the 1979 TV movie *The Babysitter*, but her big break came in 1982 with *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*. The film, based on Cameron Crowe’s book, captured the lives of high school students in a way that felt authentic and relatable. Cates played Stacy Hamilton, a sweet, naive girl navigating adolescence. Her performance, especially the now-legendary pool scene, cemented her as a pop culture icon.
Iconic Film Roles
Fast Times at Ridgemont High was just the beginning. Phoebe Cates went on to star in several memorable films throughout the 1980s. Her role as Kate Beringer in *Gremlins* (1984) brought her even more fame. In the film, she played the girlfriend of main character Billy Peltzer, and her character’s bravery in the face of chaos made her a fan favorite.
Other notable films include:
- Paradise (1982)
- Drop Dead Fred (1991)
- The ‘Burbs (1989)
Her singing voice also made appearances in some of her films, adding another layer to her already impressive talents. Though she wasn’t known primarily as a singer, her musical contributions gave fans a glimpse into her multifaceted artistry.
Life After Hollywood
By the early 2000s, Phoebe Cates had made the decision to step back from acting. Rather than chasing fame or returning to the spotlight, she chose a quieter life. She moved to New York City with her husband, actor Kevin Kline, and focused on raising their two children, Owen and Greta.
In 2004, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique located on Madison Avenue. The store quickly became a go-to destination for stylish, high-quality women’s clothing and accessories. Its success is a testament to her keen eye for fashion and her business acumen. Even though she’s no longer in the public eye, her work as a business owner keeps her busy and fulfilled.
Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline
Phoebe Cates married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. The couple met during a production of *The Misanthrope* on Broadway and have been together ever since. Their long-lasting marriage is a rarity in Hollywood, and they’ve managed to keep their relationship out of the tabloids for the most part.
Kline, who has won both a Tony and an Academy Award, has spoken fondly of Cates in interviews, describing her as the stabilizing force in his life. Together, they’ve raised two children—Owen, a musician, and Greta, a singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the band Frankie Cosmos. The family has always valued privacy, and Cates has made it clear that she prefers a life away from the glare of the media.
FAQ Section
What is Phoebe Cates’s most famous movie role?
Phoebe Cates is best known for her role as Stacy Hamilton in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*. Her performance in the 1982 film, especially the pool scene, became an instant cultural touchstone and is still referenced in pop culture today.
Is Phoebe Cates still married to Kevin Kline?
Yes, Phoebe Cates is still married to Kevin Kline. The couple got married in 1989 and has remained together, raising two children while balancing life in and out of the spotlight.
What is Phoebe Cates doing now?
Phoebe Cates currently lives in New York City, where she runs a boutique called Blue Tree on Madison Avenue. She has stepped back from acting and focuses on her family and business ventures.
Phoebe Cates may not be in the spotlight anymore, but her influence on 80s pop culture is undeniable. Whether you remember her for her iconic roles or her stylish presence, there’s no denying that she left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Learn more about Phoebe Cates and the legacy she continues to build beyond the silver screen.


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