This 80s TV Icon Found Love with a Hollywood Star 16 Years Her Senior And Left Acting to Raise Their Children
Phoebe Cates was once one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, captivating audiences with her charm and talent in the 1980s. From romantic comedies to cult classics, she seemed destined for an enduring career in the spotlight. But at the peak of her fame, Cates made an unexpected choice—to step away from acting and focus on a love story that redefined her life.
A Rising Star in Hollywood
Cates became a household name in the ’80s, starring in films that defined the era. Her roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins cemented her status as a Hollywood darling. Yet, as her career soared, Cates began to yearn for something beyond the silver screen.
In 1989, Cates made headlines for her marriage to actor Kevin Kline, who was 16 years her senior. The union surprised many not just because of their age difference but because Kline, a renowned stage and film actor, was a confirmed bachelor. Their life together would go on to defy Hollywood conventions, prioritizing family and grounded living over glitz and glamour.
A Fateful Meeting
Cates and Kline first met in 1982 during a read-through for The Big Chill. Although she didn’t end up in the film, the encounter left an impression. Their paths crossed again two years later at New York’s Public Theater, where Cates was rehearsing a Russian play, and Kline was performing in Shakespeare’s Henry V.
At the time, Cates was riding high on her Gremlins success, while Kline had already won two Tony Awards for his stage work. Despite their different temperaments—Cates being spirited and bubbly, Kline more introspective—they bonded over their shared passion for the arts.
Kline later joked about their early encounters: “When I first met her, I thought, ‘She’s too happy to be with me.’” But their differences complemented each other, laying the foundation for a lifelong partnership.
A Private Wedding and a Devoted Family Life
In March 1989, Cates and Kline married in an intimate New York City ceremony attended by close family and friends. At just 25, Cates embarked on a new chapter alongside the 41-year-old Kline.
Shortly after their wedding, they started a family, welcoming their son, Owen, in 1991 and their daughter, Greta, in 1994. The couple was committed to creating a stable home environment, alternating their work schedules to ensure one parent was always present with the children.
Kline reflected on their approach to family life, saying, “We agreed never to work at the same time. It’s important to take care of the marriage and the family.”
A Life-Altering Decision
At the height of her acting career, Cates made the surprising decision to step away from Hollywood. After the birth of her children, she chose to prioritize her role as a mother, leaving the industry to focus on raising Owen and Greta.
Her decision wasn’t born out of necessity but a deep commitment to her family. Kline admired her choice, saying, “That was one of the many things I loved about her. She loved acting while she was doing it, but she wasn’t driven by it as I was.”
Cates managed the household without full-time help, cooking dinner every night and creating a nurturing environment for her children. “Some people have trouble with that,” she once said, “but I love it. I do it all.”
Raising Remarkable Children
The couple’s dedication to family life paid off as Owen and Greta pursued creative careers inspired by their upbringing in an artistic household. Owen gained acclaim as an actor in The Squid and the Whale before shifting his focus to filmmaking, releasing his debut feature, Funny Pages, in 2022. Greta, performing under the name Frankie Cosmos, became a celebrated indie musician known for her introspective lyrics and minimalist sound.
Both children credit their parents for providing unwavering support. Owen said, “They wanted so badly for me to figure out a way to make my film,” reflecting the encouragement they received at home.
A Life Away from the Spotlight
For over three decades, Cates and Kline have maintained a life focused on family and simplicity. Now in their 35th year of marriage, the couple continues to prioritize their relationship and children over the allure of Hollywood.
They have lived on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for most of their marriage, far removed from the industry’s traditional hotspots. Weekly family dinners remain a cherished tradition, even as their children have grown and pursued independent lives. “We have dinner all together once a week at least,” Kline said. “The kids haven’t banished us from their lives.”
A New Creative Venture
In 2005, Cates returned to her creative roots in a different way, opening Blue Tree, a boutique shop in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill neighborhood. Described as “a general store but according to me,” the shop features an eclectic mix of women’s clothing, jewelry, home goods, and unique gifts, showcasing her artistic eye and passion for curation.
An Enduring Partnership
Though they occasionally attend premieres or award shows, Cates and Kline have remained committed to their low-profile lifestyle. Kline reflected on their enduring bond, joking, “If your marriage lasts more than six months, you’re already in the Guinness Book of World Records, if you’re a Hollywood marriage.” He added that their relationship has never felt like a “Hollywood marriage,” in either a literal or figurative sense.
Their enduring love story and shared values have allowed them to build a life centered on family, creativity, and a deep commitment to each other—a legacy that speaks louder than any film or award ever could.