If you remember her, chances are you had a crush on her. Let’s uncover the reasons she vanished from our screens.

by Impress story
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Phoebe Cates, renowned for her performances in films like Gremlins and Drop Dead Fred, is perhaps most famously remembered for her iconic topless pool scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). Despite her success in Hollywood, she left the film industry over two decades ago to pursue a career she truly enjoys.

 

Born Phoebe Belle Cates on July 16, 1963, in New York City, she attended public schools and studied dance at Juilliard.

With industry ties—her uncle was the president of the Directors Guild, and her father, Joe Cates, was a producer and director—show business seemed to run in the family. Her siblings, Valerie and a brother, also pursued careers in the arts.

Phoebe initially dreamed of becoming a dancer, but a knee injury curtailed her aspirations. She transitioned to modeling at age 14, gracing the cover of Seventeen magazine four times.

However, modeling left her unfulfilled. “It was always the same,” she remarked. “There came a time when I was just doing it for the money.”

Her acting journey began after meeting a film agency at a Studio 54 party and studying acting under Robert Ravan and Alice Spivack at H.B. Studios.

Phoebe debuted in the movie Paradise (1982) and quickly gained attention with her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Rolling Stone dubbed her pool scene as “the most unforgettable bikini fall in movie history.” In a 1982 interview, she candidly stated, “To be successful, a woman has to be willing to take her clothes off. If you look good, why not show it?”

Cates followed this with notable roles, including Christine Ramsey in Private School (1983) and Kate Beringer in Steven Spielberg’s Gremlins (1984). During an audition for The Big Chill (1983), she met actor Kevin Kline. Their romance began two years later, leading to their marriage in 1989.

The couple decided early on to prioritize family, alternating their careers to ensure their children, Owen Joseph and Greta, always had a parent at home. This decision prompted Phoebe to step away from acting after their children were born. “We take care of the marriage,” Kline explained, attributing their lasting union to mutual effort and commitment.

In 2005, Phoebe launched Blue Tree, a boutique on Madison Avenue near Carnegie Hall, selling unique gifts, clothing, and perfumes. The store has become a beloved local spot and a reflection of her creative spirit. Now residing in New York City, Phoebe remains a cherished figure from the silver screen who embraced a new chapter focused on family and personal fulfillment.

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