She was a rising star in Hollywood during the 1980s, capturing the hearts of audiences with her remarkable performances in films that soon became classics. This actress seemed destined for more glittering success, but she chose a different path. Her decision to step away from Hollywood was inspired by a love story that began in the theater and ultimately transformed her life.
In the early 1980s, she became a household name with her roles in various iconic films. Her charm and talent landed her in romantic comedies and beloved cult classics, marking her as one of the most familiar faces of the era.
While her career was blossoming, she yearned for a life that transcended the silver screen.
In the latter half of the decade, she stirred headlines with her marriage to Kevin Kline, an acclaimed actor who was 16 years her senior. Despite being known as a confirmed bachelor, Kline found a lifelong partner in her.
Together, they defied the typical Hollywood lifestyle, focusing instead on building a grounded and family-centric existence.
A Chance Meeting That Sparked a Connection
Their journey began with a brief encounter during a 1982 read-through for “The Big Chill.” While she didn’t act in the movie, their meeting left a significant impression.
Destiny had more in store, and two years later, they met again at New York’s Public Theater. She had just completed “Gremlins,” while he was deep into rehearsals for Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” Kline, whose career boasted two Tony Awards, remembered their first impressions fondly.
“When I first met her, I thought, ‘She’s too happy to be with me,’” he recalled, referring to her sunny disposition, a contrast to his more introspective nature.
Despite their differing personalities, their mutual love for the arts laid the groundwork for what became a lifelong partnership.
A Private Wedding and a Lifelong Partnership
By March 1989, they celebrated their bond with a cozy wedding in New York City. The actress, just 25, married Kline, who was already a significant figure in the acting world at 41.
The ceremony matched their usual preference for privacy, attended by only close friends and family. Shortly after, they started a family, welcoming son Owen in 1991 and daughter Greta in 1994.
Determined to nurture a stable home, they devised a system to balance family and their careers. “We agreed to switch off so that our careers don’t overlap,” Kline noted, while his wife often opted to stay home with their children anyway.
Their devotion to placing family first became the cornerstone of their lives together.
Retiring for Family: Her Life-Altering Decision
At the peak of her career, she made a decision that surprised fans and industry insiders alike. After having two children, she retired from acting to focus on her role as a mother.
Her husband lauded her choice, which wasn’t driven by necessity but genuine love for their family. “That’s one of many things I admire about her,” he said. “She enjoyed acting while she did it, but it wasn’t her life’s driving force.”
Instead of trying to juggle career demands alongside family, she fully embraced her role at home. She managed her household with minimal outside help and made dinner a nightly family affair.
Her choice not only allowed their family to thrive but strengthened their marriage by upholding shared priorities and values.
Raising Remarkable Children in an Artistic Household
In a household rich in creativity, Owen and Greta grew up encouraged to pursue their artistic inclinations. This nurturing environment helped them flourish in their respective careers within the arts.
Owen embarked on a path as a filmmaker and actor, gaining early recognition for his role in “The Squid and the Whale,” a drama exploring familial complexities.
Although he received accolades for acting, Owen eventually focused on directing, releasing his first feature film, “Funny Pages,” in 2022. He credits his parents’ unwavering support for navigating his creative path.
Greta pursued a musical career under the name Frankie Cosmos, captivating audiences with introspective lyrics and a minimalist style. Her career flourished with her parents’ steadfast encouragement, who often attended her performances.
Life Away from the Limelight
For over thirty years, Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline have centered their lives around family, steering clear from the excesses of Hollywood. Now celebrating 35 years of marriage, their enduring commitment to each other and their children remains unwavering.
Kline jokingly remarked in a 2024 interview, “If your Hollywood marriage lasts more than six months, you’ve set a record,” but he doesn’t see their relationship fitting that mold.
Choosing to live a low-profile life away from Hollywood, the couple made their home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, cultivating a peaceful life while focusing on their family’s needs.
Their Manhattan residence became the cradle for their children’s upbringing, with family dinners as cherished weekly traditions even as they pursued their own careers.
Reflecting on their close-knit family dynamic, Kline remarked, “We still manage to have dinner together once a week at least. The kids haven’t shunned us!” He also often joins Greta at her music gigs.
Beyond family, Cates took on a new creative project. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill area, describing it as “a general store, but through my eyes,” offering a unique mix of clothing, jewelry, and home goods.
Her store became a creative refuge, building a loyal customer base both locally and internationally. Though not actively involved in acting, Cates remains a cherished figure, with her work remembered fondly.
Occasionally returning to public events, Cates and Kline maintain the privacy they cherish. Their choices and decisions have led them to a fulfilling life grounded in love and simple pleasures, rather than swept under the pressures of celebrity life.
