- Cates retired from acting in 1994 to focus on raising her children and only made a brief comeback in 2001.
- Cates now owns a boutique in New York and may consider returning to acting if the right opportunity comes along.
Phoebe Cates, the 1980s superstar known for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, has been out of the movie scene for quite some time now. Her iconic moment in the film, where she emerges from the swimming pool in a red bikini, has become a legendary part of cinema history. However, after her successful run in the ’80s and ’90s, Cates decided to take a break from acting.
It has been over two decades since Cates last appeared in a movie, and despite her talent and fame, finding regular work in Hollywood can be challenging for actors. However, in Cates’ case, it wasn’t the industry that forgot her, but rather her choice to step away from the spotlight.
After her breakout role, Cates continued to work steadily throughout the 1980s. She appeared in movies like Private School, Gremlins, and Date with an Angel. She even starred alongside her husband, Kevin Kline, in I Love You to Death. However, her last starring role was in the 1994 biopic Princess Caraboo. Since then, she has only made a brief appearance in the 2001 film The Anniversary Party.
Cates made the decision to retire from acting in 1994 to focus on raising her children. She wanted to give her full attention to her two kids, Owen and Greta, who have since found their own success in the film industry and music field, respectively. However, her cameo in The Anniversary Party was a favor to her friend and former co-star from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Jennifer Jason Leigh, who co-wrote and co-directed the film.
Although Phoebe Cates no longer acts, she has found fulfillment in other endeavors. In 2005, she opened a boutique called Blue Tree in New York City. The boutique offers a wide range of products, including clothing, antiques, jewelry, perfumes, candles, artwork, books, and even vintage LPs and stuffed animals.
While Cates has been enjoying her time away from acting, her appearance in the 2015 video game Lego Dimensions suggests that she hasn’t completely given up on the idea. If the right role or opportunity comes along, she may consider returning to the world of acting. Whether it’s through voice work or on-camera appearances, her fans can still hope for a potential comeback in the future.
