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Phoebe Cates At 62: The 7 Shocking Chapters Of Her Life After Fast Times At Ridgemont High

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Phoebe Cates, the iconic teen idol who defined a generation of cinema with her unforgettable roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, is currently 62 years old, as of this updated report on December 23, 2025. While the spotlight of Hollywood is now decades behind her, her life post-fame has been a fascinating and intentional journey into entrepreneurship, family, and a quiet, successful marriage to fellow actor Kevin Kline. Her story is not one of a faded star, but of a woman who chose a deliberate path away from the pressures of celebrity.

The eternal question of "What happened to Phoebe Cates?" is answered by a life rich in personal fulfillment. After stepping away from acting in the mid-1990s, she built a new legacy entirely on her own terms, proving that a successful Hollywood career can be purposefully traded for a meaningful private life. Her enduring appeal is a testament to the powerful, yet brief, era she dominated in the 1980s.

Phoebe Cates Biography and Profile: The Essentials

Phoebe Belle Cates Kline’s life is a masterclass in Hollywood reinvention. Born into a prominent New York family, her early career was marked by a sudden, meteoric rise to fame before she chose a path of deliberate retirement to focus on her family.

  • Full Name: Phoebe Belle Cates Kline
  • Date of Birth: July 16, 1963
  • Current Age (as of December 2025): 62 years old
  • Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Husband: Kevin Kline (married 1989)
  • Children: Owen Joseph Kline (b. 1991) and Greta Simone Kline (b. 1994)
  • Former Occupation: Actress, Model
  • Current Occupation: Entrepreneur, Owner of Blue Tree Boutique
  • Years Active (Acting): 1982–1994 (Retired), with one-off appearances in 2001 and 2015.
  • Notable Film Roles: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Gremlins (1984), Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Drop Dead Fred (1991), Princess Caraboo (1994).

Chapter 1: The Age-Defying Legacy of a 1980s Icon

The first chapter of Phoebe Cates’ fame is inextricably linked to the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. At the young age of 19, her portrayal of Linda Barrett instantly cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon. The iconic poolside scene, which is still referenced in pop culture today, launched her to a level of stardom that few ever achieve, but which she later found stifling.

Following this breakout role, Cates quickly transitioned into another defining movie of the decade: 1984’s Gremlins, where she played Kate Beringer, a role she reprised in the 1990 sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Other notable 80s films that solidified her career include Shag (1988) and Date with an Angel (1987). Despite her success, the actress always maintained a preference for a private life, a desire that would soon dictate her entire professional trajectory.

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Hollywood Love Story with Kevin Kline

In 1989, at the age of 26, Phoebe Cates married Oscar-winning actor Kevin Kline. The union was notable not only for the 16-year age difference between the two stars but also for its remarkable longevity in a town known for fleeting relationships. Their marriage has now spanned over 35 years, a true rarity in Hollywood.

In late 2024, Kevin Kline offered a rare public insight into the secret of their enduring romance, stating that their marriage works precisely because it is "not a Hollywood marriage." Cates famously made the decision to retire from acting in the mid-90s to prioritize raising their children, a choice Kline credits as a major factor in their stability. This deliberate shift, prioritizing family over fame, is the pivot point of her post-Hollywood life.

Chapter 3: The Entrepreneurial Pivot with Blue Tree Boutique

The most significant development in Phoebe Cates’ life after leaving acting was her transition into a successful entrepreneur. In the fall of 2005, she opened her eclectic and charming retail boutique, Blue Tree, located on the Upper East Side of New York City.

Cates described her vision for the store as "a general store but according to me," offering a curated collection of high-end women’s clothing, jewelry, home goods, and unique gifts. The store reflects her personal taste and has become a beloved fixture in the neighborhood, allowing her to engage her creative side without the intense scrutiny of the film industry. This venture showcases her ability to build a successful, low-key career away from the camera, a true testament to her business acumen.

Chapter 4: The Next Generation—Owen Kline’s Filmmaking Success

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline’s eldest child, Owen Joseph Kline, born in 1991, has followed his parents into the film industry, but primarily behind the camera. Owen Kline is an American filmmaker, actor, and cartoonist who made a significant impact with his directorial debut, the coming-of-age dark comedy *Funny Pages* (2022).

The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was a critical success, establishing Owen as a distinct and iconoclastic voice in independent cinema. While he began his career as a child actor, his focus has shifted to writing and directing, having also studied illustration and film at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. His success in a different facet of the industry is a point of pride for the famously private Cates-Kline family.

Chapter 5: Greta Kline and the Anti-Folk Movement (Frankie Cosmos)

The couple's daughter, Greta Simone Kline, born in 1994, chose an entirely different creative path: music. Known by her stage name, Frankie Cosmos, Greta Kline is a prominent figure in the independent anti-folk and lo-fi music scenes. Her music is characterized by its delicate sound, deeply personal lyrics, and a prolific output of songs.

Frankie Cosmos has released multiple studio albums, including *Zentropy* (2014), and has a dedicated following. Like her mother, Greta has largely avoided the Hollywood spotlight, carving out an authentic and successful career on her own terms in the New York music world. Her artistic independence further illustrates the family's commitment to pursuing passion outside of mainstream celebrity culture.

Chapter 6: The Complete Filmography Snapshot

While her acting career was relatively short, Phoebe Cates' filmography is packed with memorable roles that have earned her a permanent place in cinematic history.

  • Paradise (1982)
  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) - As Linda Barrett
  • Baby Sister (TV Movie, 1983)
  • Private School (1983)
  • Gremlins (1984) - As Kate Beringer
  • Lace II (TV Mini-Series, 1985)
  • Date with an Angel (1987) - As Patricia "Patty" Winston
  • Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
  • Shag (1989) - As Carson McBride
  • Heart of Dixie (1989)
  • Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) - As Kate Beringer
  • Drop Dead Fred (1991)
  • Bodies, Rest & Motion (1993)
  • Princess Caraboo (1994) - As Princess Caraboo
  • The Anniversary Party (2001) - A brief return, directed by her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Chapter 7: The Enduring Allure of a Life Lived Privately

Phoebe Cates, now 62, represents a unique kind of celebrity success: the success of choosing obscurity. She intentionally stepped away from the relentless public eye to build a stable, fulfilling life. Her story serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the endless pursuit of fame, demonstrating that true satisfaction can be found in the quiet roles of wife, mother, and small-business owner. The occasional news headline, often regarding her husband's comments or her children's artistic endeavors, only serves to remind the world of the vibrant, successful life she has cultivated away from the flash of Hollywood cameras. Her legacy is no longer defined by a single pool scene, but by a thoughtful and enduring commitment to her own happiness.

phoebe cates age
phoebe cates age

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