Do you remember Phoebe Cates? She’s the actress who became famous for her role in the movie ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ Have you ever wondered why she stopped acting? Well, let’s find out!
Phoebe Cates appeared in several movies like ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Drop Dead Fred,’ but it was her unforgettable pool scene without a top in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ that made her a household name in 1982.
However, more than 20 years ago, Phoebe made a significant career change. Today, she has a regular 9 to 5 job doing something she truly enjoys.
Phoebe Belle Cates was born on July 16, 1963, in New York City. She grew up attending private schools and studying ballet at Julliard. Acting ran in the family as her father, Joe Cates, was a producer-director, and her uncle was the president of the Director’s Guild. Even her siblings were involved in the entertainment industry.
Initially, Phoebe aspired to be a dancer but had to give it up due to a knee injury. At the age of 14, she ventured into modeling and found moderate success, even gracing the cover of Seventeen magazine four times. However, she didn’t find true fulfillment in modeling and considered it more of a lucrative job than a passion.
Everything changed for Phoebe when she attended a party at Studio 54 and met a film agent who helped her secure acting roles. She received training from Robert Ravan, who founded The Actors’ Circle in New York.
“I just knew that I didn’t want to go to college. And if I could get a couple of movies, it would be a great way to avoid going to college. Seriously, that’s true,” Phoebe candidly shared in 1985.
Phoebe honed her acting skills with Alice Spivack of the H.B. Studios. In 1982, she made her on-screen debut as Sarah in the movie ‘Paradise.’ Soon after, she starred in ‘Experienced’ before gaining widespread recognition in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ with its iconic swimming pool scene.
The movie resonated with teenagers and became a part of popular culture. Phoebe’s unforgettable moment of dropping her bikini top was hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history.”
In 1982, Phoebe expressed her views on nudity in show business, saying, “In this business, if a girl wants a career, she has to be willing to strip. If you’ve got a good body, then why not show it?”
Looking back, ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ boasted an impressive cast, including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Eric Stoltz, and Forest Whitaker. Jennifer Jason Leigh fondly reminisced, “It was a funny thing because we were all so young when we made it. And then it came out, and it was this big hit. You know, you’d go to the theater, and people would say the lines with it. People had obviously seen the movie over and over again.”
While continuing her theater work, Phoebe took on the lead role of Christine Ramsey in ‘Private School’ in 1983. She also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Gremlins’ in 1984. It was during the audition for the 1983 film ‘The Big Chill’ that Phoebe met her future husband, Kevin Kline, a renowned theater actor. Although she didn’t get the role, she ended up with something even more precious – a lifelong partner.
Phoebe and Kevin tied the knot in 1989, despite their 16-year age difference. They welcomed their first child, Owen Joseph, in 1991, followed by their daughter Greta Simone in 1994. As they celebrated 27 years of marriage in 2017, many wondered about the secret to their lasting happiness. Kevin Kline revealed, “We take care of the marriage.”
Although Phoebe was successful in her acting career, she decided to step away from it after becoming a mother. In the 1990s, she gradually withdrew from the entertainment industry. In a 1998 interview with Playboy, she explained that she and her husband took turns with their acting jobs to ensure that their children always had a parent around.
While Phoebe occasionally accepted acting roles, she dedicated more time to her family and carved a new path as an entrepreneur. In 2005, she opened a store called Blue Tree near Carnegie Hall in New York City. The store offers a variety of products, including perfumes, clothes, and gifts.
Phoebe is a full-time shopkeeper, often working in the store and finding new items to sell. She has created a bustling business in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where she resides with her family.
And just so you know, Phoebe still looks as fantastic as ever!
When we think of Phoebe Cates, we often remember her outstanding acting skills. But let’s not forget those standout moments like the shower scene in ‘Paradise’ and the bikini scene in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ These scenes have left a lasting impression on many, especially teenagers whose hearts beat a little faster than they should have.
Phoebe Cates may have stepped away from Hollywood, but her journey from the big screen to entrepreneurship is truly inspiring. She followed her passion, embraced motherhood, and built a successful business while keeping her family and marriage as priorities.
