The former actress Phoebe Cates celebrates 61 today
Her role as Linda Barrett in the iconic coming-of-age film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” catapulted her to stardom but despite her successful career, Cates chose to step away from the spotlight in the mid-1990s to focus on her family
The former actress Phoebe Cates celebrates 61 today
Phoebe Belle Cates was born on July 16, 1963, in New York City, New York. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, with her father, Joseph Cates, being a major Broadway producer and television pioneer, and her uncle, Gilbert Cates, a notable film director and producer. This environment undoubtedly influenced her early interest in the arts.
Cates began her career as a model at the young age of 10, gracing the pages of numerous magazines and advertisements throughout her teenage years. However, her true passion lay in acting, and she transitioned to the big screen in the early 1980s. Her film debut came in 1982 with “Paradise,” but it was her role as Linda Barrett in the iconic coming-of-age film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) that catapulted her to stardom. Her famous pool scene in the movie became a defining moment of 1980s pop culture.
Following this success, Cates continued to build her acting career with roles in a variety of films, including “Private School” (1983) and “Gremlins” (1984), where she played the character Kate Beringer. “Gremlins” was a major hit, and Cates reprised her role in the sequel, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (1990). She also starred in the romantic comedy “Shag” (1989) and the black comedy “Drop Dead Fred” (1991).
Despite her successful career, Cates chose to step away from the spotlight in the mid-1990s to focus on her family. Her last major film role was in “Princess Caraboo” (1994). Her departure from Hollywood was driven by a desire to dedicate more time to her personal life, particularly raising her children.
In 2005, Cates returned to the public eye in a different capacity by opening a boutique in New York City called Blue Tree. The store, located on Madison Avenue, quickly became known for its eclectic mix of unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, and home decor. Blue Tree has been a successful venture and allows Cates to express her creativity and business acumen away from the pressures of Hollywood.
Phoebe Cates married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. The couple met while auditioning for “The Big Chill” (1983), although Cates did not end up being cast in the film. They have two children together: Owen Kline, born in 1991, and Greta Kline, born in 1994. Greta, also known by her stage name Frankie Cosmos, has followed in her parents’ footsteps into the entertainment industry as a successful musician.
Cates and Kline have maintained a relatively private and stable family life, residing in New York City. Despite stepping back from acting, Cates made a brief return to the screen in 2001 for the film “The Anniversary Party,” directed by her close friend Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Watch Phoebe Cates in the Late Night with David Letterman Show, 1984
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