Phoebe Cates became famous for playing the confident Linda Barrett in the 1982 teen movie classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and she had a brief acting career before deciding to step away from the industry. Linda is best friends with Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and the two characters' frank conversations about sex are some of the most memorable quotes. The story follows teenagers attending high school in the San Fernando Valley and dives into subjects like dating, drug use, and wanting to grow up quickly. The film, directed by Amy Heckerling, became famous for its soundtrack and honest tone.
Many now-famous actors starred in Fast Times, including Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, and Eric Stoltz. While Cates became known for playing Kate Beringer in the horror comedy Gremlins and its sequel, several of her '80s and '90s roles were brief and forgettable. The actor will always be remembered for playing Linda and Kate since these roles were part of movies that became cultural staples. Since Phoebe Cates's Fast Times character gave Stacy advice about sex and dating, the actor starred in a handful of movies from the '80s and '90s and left the acting industry, with a brief return for a 2001 drama film.
Phoebe Cates Starred In Gremlins, Gremlins 2, Private School, And Bright Lights, Big City
Phoebe Cates's Fast Times character led her to play Kate in Gremlins, a character who dislikes Christmas. In the 1984 movie, Kate is Billy Peltzer's (Zach Galligan) girlfriend. She explains that she carries around grief for her father, who died on Christmas because he tried to play Santa Claus for the family and fell down the chimney. Kate adds some emotion to the story, which otherwise focuses on the humorous and chaotic creatures who make Billy's life complicated. Kate reprised her role in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, which was released in 1990. A sensitive yet strong character, Kate is integral to helping Billy take control of the gremlins in their office.
Cates then starred in the 1983 comedy Private School as Chris Ramsey, a teenage girl deciding to sleep with Jim Green (Matthew Modine) for the first time. Chris is similar to Phoebe Cates's Fast Times role as both Chris and Linda explore their sexuality. Cates played Amanda Conway in the Michael J. Fox 1988 movie Bright Lights, Big City adapted from the novel by Jay McInerney. Amanda is a model who was married to Jamie, who is struggling with his mental health. Several of Cates's most significant roles are love interests, and Linda, Kate, and Chris are more memorable and fleshed-out roles than Amanda, who isn't as developed.
Phoebe Cates Returned To The Big Screen With Anniversary Party In 2001
After Phoebe Cates's Fast Times at Ridgemont High role, the actor starred in a few '90s films that didn't make an impression. Her last movie character is Sophia Gold in the 2001 film The Anniversary Party, co-written, directed, and produced by Cumming and Jason Leigh. The story follows a troubled marriage between an actor and writer. Sophia is married to Cal Gold (Kevin Kline, Cates's real-life husband). She doesn't stand out much as the plot revolves around one party and the dramatic discussions that take place. The Anniversary Party is very different from the Christmas horror movie Gremlins and is more of a character study than Cates's other films.