Phoebe Cates is one of those rare stars who achieved iconic fame in the 1980s and then gracefully stepped back from Hollywood at the peak of her career. Known for her beauty, talent, and memorable roles in cult classics like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, she remains a beloved figure in pop culture. But with her long absence from the big screen, many people wonder — what is Phoebe Cates net worth today, and how did she build her wealth?
In this article, we’ll explore Phoebe Cates net worth, her career journey, family life, and what she’s been up to since leaving acting behind.
Who Is Phoebe Cates?
Full Name: Phoebe Belle Cates Kline
Date of Birth: July 16, 1963
Birthplace: New York City, USA
Profession: Actress, Model, Entrepreneur
Famous For: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Gremlins (1984), Drop Dead Fred (1991)
Phoebe Cates began her career as a model before transitioning into acting. Her combination of charm, poise, and screen presence made her a standout talent in Hollywood’s 1980s golden era.
Phoebe Cates Net Worth Overview
As of 2025, Phoebe Cates net worth is estimated to be around $35 million.
While her acting career contributed significantly to her wealth, much of her current net worth also comes from her successful business ventures and her marriage to actor-director Kevin Kline, whose net worth is estimated at around $50 million.
Together, the couple has built a quiet, prosperous life away from the limelight.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born and raised in New York City, Phoebe Cates grew up surrounded by art and creativity. Her father, Joseph Cates, was a television producer and director, while her uncle, Gil Cates, was a prominent film director.
At age 10, she began dancing with the School of American Ballet but had to quit after an injury. Soon after, she turned her focus to modeling and quickly became a successful teen model, appearing in several magazines.
However, her passion for acting led her to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, where she trained under Sanford Meisner.
Rise to Fame in the 1980s
Cates made her film debut in Paradise (1982), but it was her role as Linda Barrett in Fast Times at Ridgemont High that catapulted her to instant fame.
Her poolside scene in that film became one of the most iconic moments in 80s cinema and turned her into a pop culture sensation.
Major Career Highlights
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) – A defining teen comedy that established her as a major star.
- Gremlins (1984) – A holiday horror-comedy classic that remains one of her most beloved roles.
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) – She reprised her role, further endearing herself to fans.
- Drop Dead Fred (1991) – A cult favorite showcasing her range as an actress.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Phoebe Cates worked consistently in both film and television. She earned critical acclaim for her natural performances and on-screen charisma.
Why Did Phoebe Cates Leave Acting?
After starring in several successful films, Phoebe Cates decided to step away from Hollywood in the mid-1990s. Her last major film role was in Princess Caraboo (1994), which was directed by her husband, Kevin Kline.
Cates chose to focus on her family and personal life, raising her two children, Owen Kline and Greta Kline (known as the indie musician Frankie Cosmos).
In interviews, Cates has explained that she wanted a normal, grounded life for her kids — something difficult to achieve in Hollywood.
Net Worth Phoebe Cates: Sources of Income
Even though she retired from acting, Phoebe Cates net worth continued to grow through a combination of smart investments, business ventures, and her husband’s continued success in the entertainment industry.
Here’s how she built and maintains her fortune:
1. Acting Career
Her successful run in Hollywood during the 1980s earned her millions in salary and royalties. Films like Gremlins and Fast Times at Ridgemont High continue to generate income through syndication and merchandise.
2. Entrepreneurship – Blue Tree Boutique
In 2005, Cates opened Blue Tree, a boutique store on Madison Avenue in New York City. The shop sells unique art, jewelry, clothing, and home decor items.
Blue Tree has become a local favorite and a steady income source, adding significantly to her wealth.
3. Real Estate Investments
Cates and Kline own several high-value properties in Manhattan. Their primary residence is in the Upper East Side, one of New York’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
4. Family Wealth and Investments
With Kevin Kline’s continued acting career and the couple’s careful financial management, their combined assets have grown substantially over the years.
Phoebe Cates Net Worth 2024 vs. 2025
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $30 million | Revenue from boutique and investments |
| 2024 | $34 million | Business growth, real estate appreciation |
| 2025 | $35 million | Steady income from investments and royalties |
Personal Life
Phoebe Cates married Kevin Kline in 1989, and their marriage remains one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting and most admired unions. They have two children:
- Owen Kline, who appeared in The Squid and the Whale (2005)
- Greta Kline, also known as Frankie Cosmos, an acclaimed indie musician
The couple has managed to keep their personal lives private, focusing on family and community rather than fame.
Awards and Recognition
While Phoebe Cates never pursued awards as aggressively as some of her peers, her cultural influence is undeniable. She remains one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s cinema and is often cited as an inspiration for countless young actresses.
Her performances in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins continue to define a generation of filmgoers and remain part of Hollywood’s nostalgic legacy.
Phoebe Cates Biography Table
| Full Name | Phoebe Belle Cates Kline |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1963 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2025) | $35 million |
| Spouse | Kevin Kline (m. 1989–present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Films | Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, Drop Dead Fred |
| Business | Blue Tree Boutique (NYC) |
| Nationality | American |
Why Phoebe Cates Net Worth Is Still Growing
Despite retiring from acting decades ago, Phoebe Cates net worth continues to grow through smart financial choices, royalties, and business ownership. Her boutique, Blue Tree, has become a fixture in Manhattan’s retail scene, known for its eclectic and upscale charm.
She’s also benefited from the continued popularity of her films, which remain in circulation through streaming and re-releases.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Phoebe Cates represents a unique era in Hollywood — one where charm and natural beauty took precedence over glamour and excess. Her ability to step away from fame at its height shows remarkable self-awareness and confidence.
Her films remain beloved, and her influence continues to be felt among fans of 80s cinema and beyond.
Final Thoughts on Phoebe Cates Net Worth
While she may no longer grace the silver screen, Phoebe Cates net worth and legacy are proof that success isn’t always measured by fame. She has built a life of balance, creativity, and independence — something many in Hollywood admire but few achieve.
Her story is one of grace, intelligence, and quiet success — a reminder that sometimes stepping away can be the best career move of all.
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