In the late 1980s, she made news for her marriage to Kevin Kline, a well-known actor 16 years her senior and a proven bachelor. The two would go on to live a life that bucked the typical Hollywood narrative, focused on family and a desire to remain grounded.

A chance meeting led to a connection.

Their paths first crossed in 1982, during a read-through for “The Big Chill.” Although she did not appear in the film, her brief encounter made an effect. Two years later, their paths crossed again at New York’s Public Theatre.

A private wedding and a lifetime partnership

By March 1989, their years-long relationship had culminated in a small wedding ceremony in New York City. At the age of 25, the actress married Kline, who was 41 and already a well-known personality in theater and film.

The low-key event matched the couple’s penchant for privacy, with just close relatives and friends invited to witness the union. Shortly after their marriage, the couple started planning a family, welcoming their son, Owen, in 1991 and their daughter, Greta in 1994.

Retirement for Family: Her Life-Changing Decision

At the height of her acting career, she made a decision that stunned both fans and industry insiders: she pulled away from the spotlight completely. After having two children, she opted to emphasize her position as a mother over her Hollywood goals.

Her spouse has frequently expressed admiration for her decision, pointing out that it was motivated by her real commitment to their family rather than necessity. “That was one of the many things I loved about her,” he told me. “She loved acting while she was doing it, but she was not driven by it, as I had been.”

Raising Exceptional Children in an Artistic Family

The decision to prioritize family provided Owen and Greta with a stable and supportive environment in which to grow up, surrounded by creativity and support. Both pursued their artistic interests, reflecting their upbringing in a culturally and intellectually affluent environment.

Greta’s career reflected her parents’ support, as they frequently attended her concerts and encouraged her creative aspirations. Their consistent presence and unwavering support enabled Owen and Greta to thrive on their own terms.

Life away from the spotlight

Phoebe Cates and Kline have lived a simple, family-oriented existence for almost three decades. Now in their 35th year of marriage, the couple prioritizes their love and their children over the glamour of Hollywood.