Early Life and Background
Phoebe Belle Cates was born in NYC on July 16, 1963. Her Eurasian ancestry is unique, blending European and Asian. Her mother, Lily Cates, was born in Shanghai to Chinese-Filipino parents, while her father, Joseph Cates, was a Manhattan Russian Jew. Phoebe was exposed to the arts as a child in bustling New York. After Miss Hewitt’s and the Professional Children’s Schools, she briefly attended Juilliard.
Modeling and Hollywood Breakthrough
Phoebe began modelling at fourteen. Her beauty and personality made her a popular model. She appeared on four Seventeen covers, two Elle covers, and other foreign publications.
Phoebe began performing in teen films in the early 1980s, attracting public attention. She became famous for her fascinating and daring characters in “Paradise” (1982) and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982). She was one of the few actresses in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” who was close to her high school character, making her portrayal more authentic at 18.
Notable Film Appearances
Phoebe Cates continued her Hollywood success with several subsequent films. She starred in “Private School” (1983), cementing her teen superstar status. The 1984 fantasy-comedy “Gremlins” and its 1990 sequel “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” showed her versatility as an actress who could play both humorous and dramatic roles.
She appeared in 1991 fantasy comedy “Drop Dead Fred,” which became a cult classic. She worked well with other talented actors in “Princess Caraboo,” starring with her husband, Kevin Kline, that year.
Shift Away From Acting
Phoebe Cates quit performing in the early 1990s to focus on family. She married actor Kevin Kline in 1989 and had two children, Owen in 1991 and Greta in 1994. Despite Hollywood’s pull, Phoebe chose motherhood above fame.
Business Ventures
Phoebe Cates founded the Blue Tree store in NYC in 2005. Her business became a local and tourist favourite once she switched from performing to entrepreneurship. Phoebe curates Blue Tree’s unique jewellery, apparel, home goods, and toys.
Personal Life and Connections
Phoebe Cates has had many Hollywood friendships, including with Jennifer Jason Leigh, whom she met while filming “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Her legacy as an actress and style icon lives on.
FAQ
Is Phoebe Cates married to Kevin Kline?
Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates married in 1989. They have two kids.
Which Phoebe Cates roles are most famous?
Phoebe Cates is best known for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), “Gremlins” (1984), and “Private School” (1983).
Has Phoebe Cates retired from acting?
Phoebe Cates withdrew from acting in the early 1990s to focus on family, but she never disclosed it.
What is the heritage of Phoebe Cates?
Her parents are Chinese-Filipino and Russian Jewish, making Phoebe Cates Eurasian.
Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates have how many kids?
Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline have two children: Owen (1991) and Greta (1994).
What is Phoebe Cates’s boutique called?
NYC’s Blue Tree store, created in 2005 by Phoebe Cates, sells unusual goods.
