This 80s TV Icon Found Love with a Hollywood Star 16 Years Her Senior & Left Acting to Raise Their Children

She was one of Hollywoods rising stars, lighting up the screen in films that became cultural touchstones. Yet, when this actress seemed poised for even greater success, she made an unexpected choice. Her decision to step away from the spotlight was rooted in a love story that began in the theater and ultimately reshaped her life.

She became a household name in the 1980s, starring in a string of hits that defined the era. From romantic comedies to offbeat cult classics, her performances made her one of Hollywoods most recognizable faces. However, her aspirations extended beyond the confines of the film industry.

A portrait of the actress, circa 1980s | Source: Getty Images

In the late 80s, she made headlines for her marriage to a well-established actor, Kevin Kline, who was 16 years her senior and a confirmed bachelor. The two would go on to create a life that defied the usual Hollywood narrative, focusing instead on family and a commitment to staying grounded.

The former actress and a co-star pictured during a scene from the film “Gremlins,” circa 1984 | Source: Getty Images

AdvertisementA Chance Meeting That Sparked a Connection

The pairs paths first crossed in 1982 during a read-through for “The Big Chill.” Although she did not end up in the film, the brief encounter left an impression. Two years later, their lives intersected again at New Yorks Public Theater.

At the time, she was fresh off the success of “Gremlins” and rehearsing a Russian play, while he was immersed in his role for Shakespeares “Henry V.” Kline, a classically trained actor with two Tony Awards to his name, later reflected on their early encounters with characteristic humor.

Kevin Kline photographed in 1978 | Source: Getty Images

“When I first met [her], I remember thinking, Shes too happy to be with me,” he said, highlighting her spirited personality, which stood in contrast to his more introspective nature. Despite their different temperaments, their shared passion for the arts set the stage for what would become a lifelong partnership.

The couple attends the Governors Ball party after the 1989 Academy Awards on March 29, 1989 | Photo: Greg in Hollywood (Greg Hernandez) CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

A Private Wedding and a Lifelong Partnership

By March 1989, the bond they had nurtured over several years culminated in an intimate wedding ceremony held in New York City. At just 25 years old, the actress married Kline, who was 41 at the time and already a renowned figure in theater and film.

The low-key celebration reflected the couples preference for privacy, inviting only close family and friends to witness the union. Shortly after their marriage, the couple began planning a family, welcoming their son, Owen, in 1991, and their daughter, Greta, in 1994.

Greta, the actress, Kevin, and Owen Kline at the New York Film Festival premiere of “The Squid and the Whale” on September 26, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

To ensure a stable upbringing for their children, they established a system that prioritized family life over their demanding careers. “We have agreed to alternate so that were never working at the same time,” Kline explained. But even when it was her turn to work, his wife would choose to stay home with their children.

Reflecting on their early days as a married couple, Kline emphasized the importance of their commitment to family, stating, “Were both sensible, and we dont separate for long periods of time. We take care of the marriage.” This decision is what set the stage for their family-centered existence.

AdvertisementRetiring for Family: Her Life-Altering Decision

At the peak of her acting career, she made a choice that surprised both fans and industry insiders—she stepped away from the spotlight entirely. After welcoming her two children, she decided to prioritize her role as a mother over her Hollywood ambitions.

Her husband has often spoken with admiration about her decision, noting that it wasnt driven by necessity but by her genuine dedication to their family. “That was one of the many things I loved about her,” he shared. “She loved acting while she was doing it, but she was not driven by it, as I had been.”

The former actress at Tavern on the Green for the Fresh Air Funds Salute to American Heroes on June 5, 1997 | Source: Getty Images

Rather than juggle a demanding career alongside family life, she chose to step back entirely, ensuring her children grew up in a stable and nurturing environment. She managed the household without outside help, apart from occasional assistance with cleaning, and made it a point to cook dinner for the family every night.

Reflecting on this, she once said, “Some people have trouble with that, but I love it. I do it all.” Her decision not only allowed their family to flourish but also reinforced the strong foundation of their marriage, which continued to thrive under the values of compromise and shared priorities.

The former actress, circa 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Raising Remarkable Children in an Artistic Household

The decision to prioritize family created a stable and nurturing environment for Owen and Greta, who grew up surrounded by creativity and support. Both followed their passions in the arts, reflecting their upbringing in an intellectually and artistically rich household.

Kevin Kline, his wife , and their kids, Greta and Owen, at the Supper Club on W. 47th St. on September 25, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Owen made a name for himself as a filmmaker and actor. He gained early recognition for his performance in “The Squid and the Whale” (2005), a critically acclaimed drama in which he portrayed a teenager navigating the complexities of family life.

Despite the accolades, Owen chose to shift his focus to directing, later releasing his debut feature film, “Funny Pages,” in 2022. Reflecting on his parents influence, Owen described their steadfast encouragement during his creative journey. “They wanted so badly for me to figure out a way to make my film,” he said.

Greta channeled her artistic talents into music. Performing under the name Frankie Cosmos, she became a celebrated figure in the indie music scene, known for her introspective lyrics and minimalist sound.

Gretas career also reflected the support of her parents, who frequently attended her performances and encouraged her creative endeavors. Their steady presence and unyielding support allowed Owen and Greta to flourish on their own terms.

AdvertisementLife Away from the Limelight

For over three decades, Phoebe Cates and Kline have maintained a life focused on family and grounded in simplicity. Now in their 35th year of marriage, the couple continues to prioritize their relationship and their children over the glitz of Hollywood.

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline at Madison Square Garden on January 3, 2013 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

“If your marriage lasts more than six months, youre already in the Guinness Book of World Records, if youre a Hollywood marriage,” Kline joked during a 2024 interview. He went on to say that he doesnt consider their relationship a “Hollywood marriage” in either a literal or figurative sense.

He also explained that theyve deliberately lived outside Hollywood and maintained a low-profile lifestyle. They have lived on Manhattans Upper East Side for most of their marriage, choosing a quieter existence far removed from the industrys traditional hotspots.

Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2014 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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The familys Manhattan home has been the foundation of a stable and nurturing environment for their now-grown children. Weekly family dinners were a cherished tradition, even as the children grew older and pursued their careers.

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kline reflected on their bond, saying, “We have dinner all together once a week at least. The kids havent banished us from their lives.” He frequently attends Gretas music performances, sometimes even participating in her shows.

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Beyond family life, Cates found fulfillment in a new creative venture. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique shop in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill neighborhood. Cates described her vision for the store as “a general store but according to me,” curating an eclectic mix of women’s clothing, jewelry, home goods, and unique gifts.

Phoebe Cates “Blue Tree” on Madison Avenue, circa 2006 | Source: Getty Images

The shop became a reflection of her creative energy, attracting a loyal following both locally and internationally. Even though they occasionally appear at premieres, award shows, and events like basketball games, the couple remains committed to their privacy.

Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline at the 2017 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Their enduring relationship and thoughtful choices have allowed them to build a life centered on their shared values rather than the pressures of fame.

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