Do you remember Phoebe Cates? She made a lasting impression with her role in the movie ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ But have you ever wondered why she stopped appearing in films?
Phoebe Cates starred in several movies, such as ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Drop Dead Fred,’ but it was her famous pool scene without a top in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ in 1982 that made her unforgettable to many.
However, more than two decades ago, Phoebe decided to take a different path. Today, she has a regular job that she truly enjoys, working from 9 to 5.
Phoebe’s journey into acting began at a young age. Growing up, she attended private schools and studied ballet at Julliard. Acting was a family affair for her, with her father being a producer-director and her uncle serving as the president of the Director’s Guild. Even her siblings had connections to the entertainment industry.
Initially, Phoebe dreamed of becoming a dancer, but unfortunately, a knee injury forced her to give up that path.
At the age of 14, Phoebe ventured into modeling and experienced some success. She even graced the cover of Seventeen magazine four times. However, she soon realized that it wasn’t her true passion; it became monotonous, and she only pursued it for the financial aspect.
It was at a party in Studio 54 that Phoebe’s life took a turn. She met a film agent who helped actors land roles in movies. She then received training from Robert Ravan, the founder of The Actors’ Circle in New York.
In 1982, Phoebe made her acting debut in the film ‘Paradise,’ playing the character Sarah. Less than a year later, she appeared in ‘Experienced’ and achieved fame with her role in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High,’ which had a significant impact on teenage culture. One particular scene, where Phoebe Cates drops her bikini top, became iconic and was hailed as “the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history” by Rolling Stone magazine.
Phoebe once commented on the industry, 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?” However, she later chose a different path.
Looking back, ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ brought together a talented group of actors, including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Eric Stoltz, and Forest Whitaker. It was a film that resonated strongly with the audience, and many people even memorized the lines.
While Phoebe continued to act in theater productions, she secured the lead role in ‘Private School’ in 1983 and appeared in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Gremlins’ in 1984. It was during auditions for the 1983 film ‘The Big Chill’ that Phoebe met Kevin Kline, a renowned theater actor. Although she didn’t get the part, she eventually found love and got married.
Phoebe and Kevin tied the knot in 1989, with their first child, Owen Joseph, born in 1991, followed by their daughter, Greta Simone, in 1994. As they celebrated their 27th anniversary in 2017, many wondered what kept their marriage strong. Kevin Kline remarked, “We take care of the marriage.”
Even though Phoebe was at the height of her acting career, she made the decision to step away from the limelight after having children. In the 1990s, she gradually faded from the entertainment industry, choosing to prioritize her family.
In a 1998 interview with Playboy, Phoebe explained that she and her husband agreed to take turns with their acting commitments to ensure that their children had a parent around. When it was Phoebe’s turn to work, she chose to stay home with the kids. While she occasionally acted, she became more visible at high-profile events alongside her husband, who continued to pursue acting opportunities.
In 2005, Phoebe embarked on a new venture and opened a store called Blue Tree near New York City’s famous Carnegie Hall. The store offered a variety of products, including perfumes, clothing, and gifts. Phoebe became a full-time shopkeeper, dedicating her time to running the store and sourcing new items to sell. The store can be found at 1283 Madison Avenue, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where Phoebe also resides.
And let me tell you, Phoebe still looks amazing!
Whenever Phoebe comes to mind, many people remember her as a talented actress. However, for others, it’s the memorable shower scene in ‘Paradise’ or the iconic bikini scene in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ that first come to mind.
Phoebe Cates may have left the world of acting behind, but she has certainly found fulfillment in other aspects of her life.
