The Secret To 35+ Years: Inside Kevin Kline And Phoebe Cates' Unconventional Marriage And Quiet New York Life

In a Hollywood landscape defined by fleeting romances and constant spotlight, the marriage of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates stands as a remarkable anomaly. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the couple has celebrated over 35 years of marriage, a milestone almost unheard of in the entertainment industry. Their enduring relationship is not just a testament to their private commitment, but also a deliberate choice to step away from the glare of Los Angeles, a decision Kline has recently spoken about as the key to their success. The pair, who met in the late 1980s, built a life centered on family and creativity in New York City, allowing them to raise their two children, Owen and Greta, outside the Hollywood bubble.

The latest updates from the couple show a continuing dedication to their respective passions: Kline remains a prolific, award-winning actor with several high-profile projects in the pipeline for 2025, while Cates thrives as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. Their story is a powerful example of two major stars who prioritized a quiet, stable family life over the relentless pursuit of fame, proving that sometimes, the greatest performance is the one you give behind the scenes.

Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates: A Comprehensive Biography and Filmography

The foundation of their decades-long partnership is built on two highly successful, yet distinctly different, careers. Kline is an acclaimed stage and screen veteran, a member of the exclusive "Triple Crown of Acting" club (Oscar, Tony, Emmy winner), while Cates remains an iconic figure of 1980s cinema who chose to retire at the peak of her fame.

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Kevin Kline (Actor, Director)

• Full Name: Kevin Delaney Kline
• Born: October 24, 1947 (St. Louis, Missouri)
• Spouse: Phoebe Cates (m. 1989)
• Children: Owen Joseph Kline, Greta Simone Kline
• Education: Indiana University, Juilliard School (Drama Division)
• Major Awards: Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor for A Fish Called Wanda), Three Tony Awards (for On the Twentieth Century, The Pirates of Penzance, and Present Laughter), Screen Actors Guild Award.
• Key Filmography: Sophie's Choice (1982), The Big Chill (1983), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), Dave (1993), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Ice Storm (1997), Life as a House (2001).

Phoebe Cates (Actress, Model, Businesswoman)

• Full Name: Phoebe Belle Cates Kline
• Born: July 16, 1963 (New York City, New York)
• Spouse: Kevin Kline (m. 1989)
• Children: Owen Joseph Kline, Greta Simone Kline
• Career Shift: Retired from full-time acting in the mid-1990s to focus on raising her children.
• Current Vocation: Owner of the successful Upper East Side boutique, Blue Tree, since 2005.
• Key Filmography: Paradise (1982), Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Gremlins (1984), Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Drop Dead Fred (1991), Princess Caraboo (1994).

The Simple, Surprising Secret to Their 35-Year Marriage

The story of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates began in 1983 when they both auditioned for The Big Chill, though Cates ultimately did not take a role in the film. They officially met a year later while Cates was auditioning for the film Silverado, which Kline starred in. Despite a 16-year age difference, they married in 1989.

For decades, the couple has been lauded for maintaining one of Hollywood's most private and stable marriages. The secret, according to recent interviews with Kevin Kline in late 2024, is surprisingly simple: distance and a focus on life outside the industry.

The Anti-Hollywood Strategy

Kline has often stated that their decision to reside permanently in New York City, away from the constant pressure cooker of Hollywood, was crucial. In a 2024 discussion, the Oscar-winner reiterated that "not living in Hollywood" is the key to keeping their relationship "fresh" over the years.

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This geographic distance from the industry’s epicenter allowed Cates to make the career choice she felt was right for her family. After a brief return to acting in 2001 for The Anniversary Party (a film co-starring her husband), Cates officially retired to focus on raising their children, Owen and Greta. This deliberate step back from the spotlight by the Fast Times at Ridgemont High icon created a stable, non-celebrity environment for their family.

Kline himself has credited Cates with helping him find balance. He noted that he was "40-ish when I finally stopped obsessing about acting and thought it would be nice to have a life and actually got married." This mutual prioritization of "having a life" over "having a career" is the bedrock of their enduring love story.

Phoebe Cates: From Teen Idol to Upper East Side Entrepreneur

While many fans remember Phoebe Cates for her unforgettable roles in 1980s classics like Gremlins and the iconic pool scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, her life today is centered on her successful venture as a businesswoman.

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The Blue Tree Boutique

In 2005, Cates opened her own boutique called "Blue Tree" on Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. She described her vision for the store as a "general store but according to me," a place where customers can find a surprise around every corner.

The shop is known for its eclectic and upscale collection, featuring high-end women’s clothing, jewelry, home goods, vintage items, and unique gifts. Cates's role as a boutique owner allows her to maintain a creative, public-facing life on her own terms, far removed from the scrutiny of the Hollywood press machine. She occasionally makes public appearances related to her business or in support of her husband's work, always maintaining her quiet elegance and stunning, timeless beauty.

The Next Generation: Owen and Greta Kline's Creative Careers

The artistic legacy of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates lives on through their two highly creative children, both of whom have forged unique paths in the arts, again, primarily based out of New York City. The children have inherited their parents' independent spirit and preference for low-key careers outside the mainstream studio system.

Owen Kline: Filmmaker and Actor

Born in 1991, Owen Joseph Kline has successfully transitioned from a child actor to a respected filmmaker and cartoonist.

• Early Career: He is perhaps best remembered for his role as Frank Berkman in the critically acclaimed 2005 film The Squid and the Whale.
• Directorial Debut: Owen launched his writing and directing career with the 2022 feature film Funny Pages, a dark comedy that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which he also wrote, showcases his distinct, independent artistic voice.

Greta Kline: Indie Music Icon (Frankie Cosmos)

Born in 1994, Greta Simone Kline has made a significant impact on the indie music scene under the stage name Frankie Cosmos.

• Music Style: Her music is often described as anti-folk or lo-fi indie rock, known for its deeply personal and poetic lyrics.
• Prolific Output: Greta has been writing and releasing music since she was a teenager, forming the band Frankie Cosmos and releasing multiple highly-regarded albums, cementing her status as a notable independent musician.

Kevin Kline’s Latest Projects and Continuing Legacy (2024-2025)

While Phoebe Cates remains dedicated to her life as a businesswoman, Kevin Kline continues his prolific acting career well into his late 70s. His upcoming projects demonstrate his enduring versatility in both film and television, ensuring his relevance remains high in the current entertainment cycle.

In 2024, Kline starred in a film as a grieving husband and father, showcasing his dramatic range. Looking ahead to 2025, his schedule is packed with new and exciting roles:

• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025): Kline is set to appear as "The Mechanic" in this fantastical road trip film, a role that promises to tap into his quirky, comedic side.
• The Studio (2025): He is also listed among the cast for this upcoming project, further diversifying his filmography.
• American Classic (MGM+ Series): One of his most anticipated projects is the new MGM+ half-hour comedy series where he will star as Richard, a celebrated but struggling Broadway actor. This role brings him back to his roots in theater and promises a witty, meta-commentary on the life of a stage icon.

The enduring partnership of Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates is a rare Hollywood fairy tale. Their choice to build a life of stability and creativity in New York, away from the constant noise of Los Angeles, allowed them to nurture a family that is now contributing its own unique talents to the worlds of film and music. Their story is a powerful reminder that for some, the most successful career move is prioritizing a strong, private family life.