The Private Lives Of Phoebe Cates And Kevin Kline: 5 Surprising Facts About Their Family And Post-Hollywood Careers

Few Hollywood couples have managed to maintain a level of privacy and longevity quite like Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline. As of late 2025, the former '80s teen idol and the Oscar-winning actor continue to prioritize their life away from the spotlight, building an enduring family legacy that is both grounded and artistically vibrant.

The couple, who married in 1989, deliberately stepped back from the relentless demands of Hollywood to raise their two children, Owen and Greta. While Cates has transitioned into a successful entrepreneur in New York City, their adult children are now forging unconventional and critically acclaimed paths in film and music, proving that the artistic gene is strong in the Kline-Cates household.

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline: A Complete Family Biography Profile

The foundation of this famously private family lies in the accomplished careers of its two patriarchs, followed by the rise of their artistically inclined children.

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Phoebe Cates (Phoebe Belle Cates Kline)

• Born: July 16, 1963, in New York City, New York.
• Career Start: Began modeling at age 14, appearing in *Seventeen* magazine and on the cover of *Teen* magazine.
• Breakthrough Role: Linda Barrett in the iconic 1982 film *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*.
• Other Key Films: *Paradise* (1982), *Gremlins* (1984), *Drop Dead Fred* (1991), and *Princess Caraboo* (1994).
• Retirement: Largely retired from regular acting in 1994 to focus on raising her family, making only a brief return in 2001 for *The Anniversary Party*.
• Current Profession: Entrepreneur and owner of the successful Manhattan boutique, Blue Tree, located on Madison Avenue.

Kevin Kline (Kevin Delaney Kline)

• Born: October 24, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Education: Studied at the famed Juilliard School, where he co-founded The Acting Company.
• Key Career Highlights: An Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in *A Fish Called Wanda* (1988).
• Other Major Films: *Sophie's Choice* (1982), *The Big Chill* (1983), *Dave* (1993), and *Wild Wild West* (1999).
• Awards: A highly respected stage actor, he has won multiple Tony Awards, cementing his status as a versatile performer across film and theatre.

The Children: Owen and Greta Kline

• Owen Joseph Kline: Born October 14, 1991. Filmmaker, actor, and cartoonist.
• Greta Simone Kline (Frankie Cosmos): Born March 21, 1994. Indie musician and singer-songwriter.

The Enduring Marriage and The Secret to Their Longevity

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline met during the audition process for *The Big Chill* in 1983, though Cates did not ultimately appear in the film. Despite a significant 16-year age difference, their connection was undeniable. They married in 1989 in a private ceremony, and their relationship has since become a rare example of lasting stability in Hollywood.

Their enduring marriage is often attributed to Cates’ decision to step away from the spotlight at the height of her fame. She chose a life focused on domesticity and raising their children over pursuing blockbusters. This choice allowed them to create a stable, private environment in New York, far from the constant media scrutiny of Los Angeles.

Kline has often spoken about the importance of family life, noting that despite their children being adults, the family makes an effort to gather for dinner at least once a week. This commitment to maintaining close family ties, even as their children launch their own careers, is a cornerstone of their shared life.

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The couple’s combined net worth, estimated to be around $35 million as of 2025, reflects their successful careers and Cates' savvy transition into business.

From '80s Icon to Manhattan Entrepreneur: Phoebe Cates’ Life Now

One of the most surprising and successful second acts in Hollywood history belongs to Phoebe Cates. After her last major film role, she traded in the red carpet for retail. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, an eclectic and charming boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Blue Tree is not a typical celebrity vanity project. It is a reflection of Cates’ personal style, offering a curated collection of clothing, jewelry, gifts, and antiques. The store has become a neighborhood institution, allowing Cates to channel her creative energy and interact with the public on her own terms, far removed from the pressures of being a teen idol.

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This entrepreneurial shift perfectly encapsulates her desire for a normal, grounded life. Her work as a businesswoman allows her to be present for her family while still engaging in a creative and fulfilling endeavor in the city where she was born.

The Next Generation: Owen and Greta Kline's Surprising Artistry

While Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline are known for their traditional acting careers, their children have carved out distinct, critically respected niches in the independent arts scene. The careers of Owen and Greta Kline are a testament to their parents’ encouragement of authentic artistic expression.

Owen Kline: The Indie Filmmaker

Owen Kline has emerged as a talented independent filmmaker and cartoonist. He is best known for his 2022 directorial debut, the dark comedy *Funny Pages*. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was praised for its raw, uncomfortable humor and unique perspective, establishing Owen as a voice to watch in independent cinema.

Prior to directing, Owen appeared as a child actor in films like *The Anniversary Party* (2001), which was directed by his mother’s friend, Jennifer Jason Leigh. His passion for film led him to work in archives at the Anthology Film Archives, deepening his knowledge of cinematic history before stepping behind the camera.

Greta Kline: The Indie Music Star (Frankie Cosmos)

Greta Kline is a prolific and celebrated singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name Frankie Cosmos. Her music is characterized by its lo-fi, intimate, and deeply personal lyrics, earning her a devoted following in the indie and DIY music communities.

Greta has released multiple studio albums, including her sixth album, *Different Talking*. Her work is a stark contrast to the blockbuster fame of her parents, focusing instead on the vulnerable dreaminess of everyday life and introspection. She has successfully built a career on authenticity, often touring and collaborating with other independent artists, further cementing her status as a distinctive voice in modern music.

5 Key Takeaways on the Kline-Cates Family Legacy

The story of Phoebe Cates and her family is a fascinating study in balancing fame with a desire for a normal life. Here are the five most significant aspects of their current legacy:

1. The Great Escape: Phoebe Cates’ choice to retire early from Hollywood to raise her children is the defining decision of her adult life, resulting in a 36+ year marriage and a stable family environment.
2. The Entrepreneurial Pivot: Her successful transition to running the Blue Tree boutique proves her business acumen and commitment to a grounded life outside of acting.
3. A Long-Distance Marriage Secret: While Kevin Kline continues to act in select film and theatre projects, the couple’s ability to manage their careers while maintaining a strong home base in New York is key to their longevity.
4. The Indie Filmmaker Son: Owen Kline’s celebrated directorial debut, *Funny Pages* (2022), marks him as a serious, independent artistic talent.
5. The DIY Musician Daughter: Greta Kline, as Frankie Cosmos, is a respected figure in the indie music scene, demonstrating that the family’s creative spirit thrives in unconventional forms.