For many people, the name Phoebe Cates instantly brings back memories of the 1980s. Whether it was her role as Kate Beringer in Gremlins or her appearance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of that era. Yet just as her career seemed unstoppable, Cates quietly stepped away from Hollywood in the mid-1990s—leaving fans to wonder: where is she now?

Early Life and Artistic Roots

Phoebe Belle Cates was born in New York City on July 16, 1963. She grew up surrounded by the arts—her uncle Joseph Katz worked on Broadway productions, and her family often mingled with creative figures, including Andy Warhol. Her heritage was also diverse, blending Chinese-Filipino and Russian-Jewish roots, which enriched the cultural environment of her upbringing.

At first, Cates dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. She studied at the Professional Children’s School, the Hewitt School, and later Juilliard. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury at age 15 forced her to give up ballet. Afterward, she tried modeling, though she admitted she never loved the work and mainly did it for financial reasons.

Breakthrough Roles in Film

Her acting debut came in 1982 with the movie Paradise. While she later admitted the film wasn’t her favorite project, it opened the door to bigger opportunities. That same year, she starred as Linda Barrett in Fast Times at Ridgemont High—a role that turned her into a household name.
From there, Cates’ career flourished. She starred in Private School (1983) and found lasting fame in Gremlins (1984), where audiences loved her performance as the kind and courageous Kate Beringer. She reprised the role in the 1990 sequel. Other films included Date with an Angel (1987), Shag (1989), and Drop Dead Fred (1991), which later developed a cult following.

Love for Theater

Despite her Hollywood success, Cates often expressed that she preferred theater work, where she felt the roles for women were stronger. She appeared in several off-Broadway productions before making her Broadway debut in The Tenth Man. Reflecting on her career, she once shared that she only felt truly fulfilled as an actress for a short period of time, reinforcing her sense that she didn’t want a lifelong career in front of the camera.

Stepping Away from Hollywood

Her last major film role came in 1994 with Princess Caraboo. Soon after, Cates decided to step away from acting—not due to lack of opportunities, but by choice. She wanted to focus on her family.

In 1983, she met actor Kevin Kline while auditioning for The Big Chill. The two married in 1989 and went on to raise two children: Owen Joseph Kline, born in 1991, and Greta Simone Kline, born in 1994. Greta later became a successful indie musician under the stage name Frankie Cosmos.

Life Beyond Acting

Although she largely retired from Hollywood, Cates occasionally returned for small projects. In 2001, she appeared in The Anniversary Party, directed by her longtime friend Jennifer Jason Leigh. Years later, she reprised her Gremlins character in the 2015 video game Lego Dimensions.

Outside of entertainment, Cates found a new passion in business. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. The shop offers books, jewelry, home goods, and art, and has become a favorite neighborhood spot.

Where She Is Today

Now in her sixties, Phoebe Cates lives a quieter life, away from the constant attention of Hollywood. She has gracefully balanced her early fame with a fulfilling personal life, raising a family, supporting the arts, and running her own business. Fans who meet her today often note that she retains the warmth and elegance that made her so beloved in her acting years.

A Lasting Legacy

Phoebe Cates’ story stands out in an industry where many struggle with the pressures of fame. Instead of chasing the spotlight, she chose a different path—one focused on family, creativity, and community. Whether remembered for Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, or her stage work, she remains an unforgettable part of 1980s pop culture.

Her journey is a reminder that true success isn’t always about staying in front of the cameras. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to step away and finding happiness in life’s simpler chapters.