Phoebe Belle Katz in real life, Phoebe Cates is a daughter to director/producer Joseph Cates and a niece to producer/director Gilbert Cates; thus, to be seen in movies is not exactly an unexpected move for her. In 1982, Phoebe filmed "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," which must have given her her most memorable role ever. Then came "Paradise," another movie that had some scenes exposing her naked body.

Movies and theater works piled up after, including two "Gremlins" films, "Drop Dead Fred," the Off-Broadway theater production, "Rich Relations," and "The Sea Gull." Phoebe is married to movie star Kevin Kline with whom she has three children.