Whatever happened to Phoebe Cates?
One of Hollywood’s brightest stars, known for her unforgettable roles in Gremlins, Drop Dead Fred, and most importantly, the unforgettable pool scene in the fast times at Ridgemont High, it was as if she disappeared almost overnight.
For fans who grew up watching her iconic films, the question remains: Why did she step out of Hollywood to the pinnacle of her career? The answer is to choose to pursue a completely different path—one that has led her to a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
Phoebe Cates’ story is one of recovery and balance. After becoming an iconic figure in her 80s, she took a path that many in her field never imagined – leaving the camera behind and diving into the world of business and family life. Here’s a closer look at the actress who captivated audiences at a young age and has since embraced a life that brings her true happiness.
Phoebe Cates is best known for her iconic role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, especially the unforgettable Topless Pool scene from 1982. The actress, who also starred in films such as Gremlins and Drop Dead Fred, retired from Hollywood more than two decades ago These days, she lives more of a low-key life, focusing on a career she’s passionate about.
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Phoebe Belle Cates was born on July 16, 1963, in New York and grew up in an artistic family. Her father, Joe Cates, was a producer-director, and her uncle served as president of the Directors Guild. Her brother was an actor and her sister Valerie worked in the theater. As a young girl, Phoebe studied ballet at Julliard, but a knee injury shifted her focus to modeling at age 14. Although she achieved success, including four appearances on the cover of seventeen magazines, she disappointed her sectors and later admitted that she was in it for the money.
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Her move to acting came after she met her film agent at a Studio 54 party in New York. She trained under Robert Ravan and Alice Spivack at The Actors’ Circle and H.B. Studies. Cates made his film debut in Paradise (1982) and went on to become a cultural sensation in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The infamous pool scene where she appears to be on top has earned her a permanent place in pop culture history. In 1982, she noted, “If a girl wants a career in this field, she has to be willing to give it up.”
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Her career continued to grow with roles in Private School (1983), Gremlins (1984), and The Big Cold, although she did not land well in this film. Phoebe met Kevin Kin, a famous stage actor, while she was suffering from a cold. They didn’t start dating until two years later and married in 1989. Despite their age difference – Clin is 16 years older – they found happiness together. They have two children, Owen Joseph, born in 1991, and Greta Simone, born in 1994.
In the mid-1990s, Cates gradually distanced himself from the entertainment industry and decided to focus on raising his children. She and Klino alternated their acting careers so that one parent could still be at home with their children. Phoebe’s acting became sporadic, often showing up when she attended a red-carpet event with a wedge that continued to play.
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In 2005, Phoebe moved facilities and opened Elue Tree, a boutique near Carnegie Hall in New York City. The store offers a range of products such as fragrances, clothing, and gifts. Phoebe was dedicated to the company, often directing directly and curating. Today, the Elue Tree is located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where Phoebe and her family are located.
While she may no longer be a regular presence in Hollywood, Phoebe Cates still exudes the same charm and beauty that captured hearts in her acting days. When many think of Phoebe, they probably think of her standout roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Paradise, two performances that left a lasting impression on moviegoers.
Beloved Hollywood actress Phoebe Cates’ journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her versatility and options, which she prioritized over family and personal fulfillment.
While she’ll always be remembered for her iconic roles in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, Phoebe’s decision to step back from the spotlight has allowed her a new chapter in her life that brings her joy. Today, as the owner of a glamorous boutique on the Upper East Side, those who admire her not only for her past accomplishment but for the remarkable woman she has become.