Phoebe Cates is one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s Hollywood. Best known for her roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and the Gremlins franchise, Cates stepped away from acting at the height of her fame—yet still managed to build impressive long-term wealth.
As of 2025, Phoebe Cates net worth is estimated at $35 million, a figure attributed to her successful acting career and her long-running business venture in New York City.
What Is Phoebe Cates’ Net Worth?
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $35 million
While some older or less reliable sources list her net worth as low as $5 million, the $35 million figure is most commonly cited, especially when factoring in her career earnings, investments, and shared assets with her husband, actor Kevin Kline.
How Did Phoebe Cates Make Her Money?
Phoebe Cates’ wealth comes from two major sources: Hollywood success and entrepreneurship.
Acting Career: The Foundation of Her Wealth
Phoebe Cates rose to fame in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the era’s most in-demand actresses.
Notable Films:
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
- Gremlins (1984)
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
- Drop Dead Fred (1991)
During her peak years (1982–1994), Cates commanded strong salaries and benefited from long-term residuals from films that remain pop-culture staples.
She largely retired from acting in 1994, choosing to focus on family life rather than continuing in Hollywood.
Business Ventures: Blue Tree Boutique
After stepping away from acting, Phoebe Cates reinvented herself as a business owner.
Blue Tree Boutique
- Opened: 2005
- Location: Upper East Side, New York City
- Business Type: Curated boutique selling fashion, gifts, books, home décor, and artisan items
Blue Tree has remained successful for nearly two decades, contributing steady income and reinforcing Cates’ financial independence outside of acting.
Marriage to Kevin Kline and Shared Wealth
Phoebe Cates has been married to acclaimed actor Kevin Kline since 1989.
- Kevin Kline Net Worth: Estimated at $35 million
- Known for award-winning roles in film, television, and Broadway
While both have individual careers and earnings, many sources report combined financial success, which explains why their net worth figures are often mentioned together.
Why Phoebe Cates Retired From Acting
Cates made a conscious decision to step away from Hollywood:
- To prioritize family
- To avoid the pressures of constant fame
- To maintain privacy and balance
She made a brief return in 2001 with The Anniversary Party, but otherwise remained retired from on-screen roles.
Attributes Table: Phoebe Cates
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phoebe Belle Cates |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1963 |
| Profession | Former Actress, Business Owner |
| Net Worth (2025) | $35 million |
| Famous Films | Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins |
| Business | Blue Tree Boutique (NYC) |
| Spouse | Kevin Kline |
| Years Active (Acting) | 1982–1994 (brief return in 2001) |
| Nationality | American |
Fun Facts About Phoebe Cates
- Her Fast Times pool scene is considered one of the most iconic moments in film history
- She successfully transitioned from actress to entrepreneur
- She avoided social media and celebrity branding trends
- Her boutique is known for its curated, artistic feel rather than mass retail
FAQs About Phoebe Cates Net Worth
What is Phoebe Cates’ net worth?
Phoebe Cates’ net worth is estimated at $35 million as of 2025.
How did Phoebe Cates make her money?
She earned wealth through acting, film residuals, and her New York boutique, Blue Tree.
Is Phoebe Cates richer than Kevin Kline?
Both Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline are estimated to have similar net worths of around $35 million.
Does Phoebe Cates still act?
She largely retired in 1994, with a brief return in 2001. She has not resumed acting since.
Why do some sources list a lower net worth?
Lower estimates often exclude business income, shared assets, or long-term residual earnings.
Conclusion
Phoebe Cates’ $35 million net worth is a testament to smart choices, longevity, and reinvention. While she could have continued as a Hollywood star, she chose family and entrepreneurship—building a stable, lasting fortune without chasing fame.
Her story proves that stepping away from the spotlight doesn’t mean stepping away from success.