Phoebe Cates made a splash with one of cinema’s most iconic bikini scenes, going topless by the pool in 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The scene was famously dubbed “the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history” by Rolling Stone magazine, turning Cates into an instant icon.
During her teenage years, Cates was passionate about dancing and even earned a scholarship to the School of American Ballet. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced her to abandon her dancing dreams at the age of 14. This setback led her to transition to modeling, where she became a teen sensation, gracing the cover of Seventeen magazine four times.
However, Cates eventually grew tired of the repetitive nature of the modeling industry, expressing that she continued solely for financial reasons. A chance encounter at New York’s Studio 54 changed the course of her career when she met her film agent and began training with Robert Ravan, founder of The Actors’ Circle in New York.
Her acting journey commenced in 1982 with the film Paradise, followed by other notable works like Gremlins and, of course, the iconic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Reflecting on her famous topless scene, Cates remarked, “In this business, if a girl wants a career, she has to be willing to strip. If you’ve got a good body, then why not show it?”
Fast Times at Ridgemont High featured a cast of emerging stars, including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Eric Stoltz, and Forest Whitaker.
Despite her successful acting career, Cates eventually chose to step away from the limelight, with motherhood playing a significant role in this decision. Alongside her husband, the acclaimed theater actor Kevin Kline, Cates decided to alternate acting jobs to ensure their children always had a parent present.
Celebrating 33 years of marriage, Cates and Kline shared the key to their long-lasting relationship, emphasizing the importance of taking care of it. In 2017, the couple spoke about their enduring bond on their 27th wedding anniversary.
Today, Phoebe Cates has transitioned into a new role as a shop owner. Her store, Blue Tree, situated on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, offers fragrances, clothing, and gifts. Cates now leads a 9-to-5 job while enjoying family life in New York City.
While her career path has evolved, one thing that hasn’t changed is Phoebe Cates’s enduring beauty. Share this article with your family and friends on Facebook to celebrate the multifaceted journey of this former teen model and actress.