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Who is Phoebe Cates and why do people still ask about her net worth?
Phoebe Cates is an American actress and former model who became an 80s pop culture icon. She is best known for Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins. People still search her net worth because her films are timeless, she left Hollywood early, and she built a second act as a New York boutique owner. Fans want to know how acting money, royalties, family life with Kevin Kline, and business investments add up today.
What is Phoebe Cates net worth in 2025?
The best current estimate places Phoebe Cates net worth around 35 million dollars in 2025, commonly reported as a combined household figure with her husband, Oscar-winning actor Kevin Kline [1][2][5]. Several credible entertainment finance trackers and features repeat this number. One outlier lists 45 million dollars, but that figure is not widely supported [3].
In plain terms, her wealth comes from three places: 1980s acting success and continuing residuals, Manhattan real estate holdings, and income from her boutique, Blue Tree, which opened in 2005 [2][4].
| Net worth snapshot (2025) | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated amount | ≈ $35 million (often cited as combined with Kevin Kline) [1][2][5] |
| Primary drivers | Acting residuals, Manhattan real estate, Blue Tree boutique [2][4] |
| Outlier estimate | $45 million (less supported across sources) [3] |
| Update cadence | Reviewed annually with new public info |
How did Phoebe Cates make her money?
Her wealth formed in phases: early modeling and acting in the 1980s, a high-profile film run that created long-tail residuals, real estate appreciation in New York, and a steady retail business. The film legacy is the foundation. Real estate and entrepreneurship added stability after she stepped back from full-time acting.
How much did acting and residuals contribute?
Acting provided the first surge of earnings. Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins cemented her fame. Gremlins became a cultural hit and a box office powerhouse, which helps residuals endure decades after release [4]. While exact residual amounts are private, industry sources often note that stars of evergreen hits continue to receive ongoing payments over time. Public estimates of her overall net worth routinely credit these films for sustained earnings [1][2].
| Key film | Enduring value |
|---|---|
| Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) | Iconic teen classic; strong TV and streaming demand supports residuals [1][2] |
| Gremlins (1984) | ≈ $153M worldwide; holiday staple with long-tail merchandising and reruns [4] |
| Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) | Franchise sequel visibility; helps long-term recognition and residuals [1][4] |
What about modeling, voice work, and endorsements?
Before acting, Cates modeled and built early savings that supported her film transition. Over time, minor voice or promotional work can add incremental income, but the core drivers remain films, real estate, and business ventures. Public sources consistently highlight that her peak earnings came from the 1980s screen career and what it enabled later [2][5].
Did real estate meaningfully boost her wealth?
Yes. Reports note Manhattan real estate holdings that have been valued up to about 20 million dollars, reflecting both the quality of the properties and long-term appreciation in New York City [2]. Property values and rental potential can materially support a stable net worth even with limited new acting work.
Does her Blue Tree boutique still make money?
Blue Tree, her boutique on Madison Avenue in New York, opened in 2005 and continues to operate as a curated lifestyle store. It sells gifts, accessories, and unique finds. Sources consistently mention Blue Tree as an active business that generates income and keeps Cates engaged in day-to-day work away from film sets [2][4].
Where did her career begin and what are the iconic roles?
Cates began as a model, then moved to acting as a teenager. Her screen debut and early roles arrived quickly in the early 1980s. Within a few years she became one of the most recognizable faces of the decade. The unforgettable pool scene from Fast Times at Ridgemont High made her a symbol of 80s teen cinema. Gremlins showcased her in a family hit that became a mainstay for seasonal viewing. These two films alone continue to fuel pop culture interest and residual value [1][2][4].
Which 1980s films defined her career?
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982): The role of Linda Barrett turned Cates into an instant star. The film became a defining teen comedy and still draws new generations of viewers [1][2].
- Private School (1983): Reinforced her profile in youth-centered comedies during her peak film period [2].
- Gremlins (1984): A blockbuster hit with major long-term cultural impact and merchandising [4].
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990): Continued the franchise footprint and sustained her visibility [1][4].
- Drop Dead Fred (1991): Cult following that helps keep her 80s-90s era relevant [2].
How did these films translate into long-term earnings?
When films become evergreen favorites, residuals can last. Reruns, catalog licensing, streaming deals, and franchise brand activity all contribute. Cates benefited from being in titles that became part of the American film canon. Even without new acting credits, the old hits carry financial weight [1][4].
Why did Phoebe Cates step away from Hollywood?
She chose family. In 1994, Cates largely stepped back from acting to focus on her life with Kevin Kline and their children. Sources consistently frame this as a voluntary shift rather than a career downturn. Later, she found a creative, lower-profile path running Blue Tree [4][5].
Is she officially retired or just selective?
She is best described as semi-retired. Cates has appeared only rarely in the past few decades, which signals a personal choice to keep acting to a minimum. She invests her time in family and business instead of chasing screen roles [5].
Is Phoebe Cates married and how does Kevin Kline affect the number?
Yes. Cates married actor Kevin Kline in 1989. Kline is an Academy Award winner with a long, respected stage and screen career. Many net worth trackers discuss their finances together and present a combined household figure of about 35 million dollars [1][2][5]. The exact split between them is private, but the couple’s shared assets, including real estate, are part of the reported total.
Do they have children and what do they do?
They have two children. Public profiles often mention that the couple prioritized family life, which influenced Cates’s decision to step back from Hollywood. Their home life and New York roots align with her long-running Blue Tree business and a preference for privacy over constant publicity [2][5].
What does Phoebe Cates do today and where does she live?
Today, Cates is known for being a hands-on boutique owner and a dedicated New Yorker. She runs Blue Tree on Madison Avenue, curating gifts, books, accessories, and artful items. She keeps a low profile compared with her 1980s fame, appearing publicly when she chooses. Reports of Manhattan properties indicate the couple values stability and privacy in the city they call home [2][4].
How do you estimate her net worth and what assumptions are used?
Our estimate blends public reporting on celebrity finances, long-tail value from 80s hits, real estate signals, and business income. We compare multiple published sources, give more weight to repeated figures from credible outlets, and note outliers if they conflict with the broader consensus. We also distinguish between household net worth and possible individual splits when sources combine them.
| Contributor | Share of total (broad estimate) |
|---|---|
| Acting residuals and catalog value | 25% to 40% |
| Manhattan real estate | 30% to 45% |
| Blue Tree boutique | 10% to 20% |
| Other investments and cash | 5% to 15% |
These ranges are directional and depend on market conditions. Real estate can swing with the economy. Residuals can rise or fall with streaming deals and seasonal rewatching. Retail can vary by year. The repeated 35 million dollar figure reflects these moving parts and the privacy of household financial details [1][2][5].
What are the biggest myths and confusions about her wealth?
Two myths cause confusion. First, a much lower number appears in older lists that predate her business and real estate growth. Second, a higher outlier claims 45 million dollars without the same level of repetition across credible sources [3]. The prevailing figure of about 35 million dollars remains the best supported estimate across multiple outlets that track celebrity finances [1][2][5].
How did her films perform at the box office and why does it matter?
Gremlins earned around 153 million dollars worldwide and became a generational favorite [4]. Fast Times at Ridgemont High turned into a home-video and cable staple. Performance like this matters because classic status can lead to long-term residuals, new licensing deals, and sustained brand recognition. The value sits in the library. Cates’s filmography placed her in titles that keep paying off in small but steady ways [1][4].
What does her year-by-year earnings timeline look like?
The exact yearly numbers are private, but the general pattern is clear. Early modeling provided seed money. The 1980s delivered her peak salary years from hit films. In the 1990s, she stepped back, which lowered acting income but did not erase residuals. In the 2000s, Blue Tree added a fresh revenue stream. Real estate appreciated over decades, which likely boosted her net worth more than annual acting checks in later years [2][4][5].
| Era | Money story |
|---|---|
| Late 1970s to early 1980s | Modeling income, early film roles build visibility and cash cushion [2] |
| Mid 1980s | Peak acting salaries, Fast Times and Gremlins fuel star power [1][4] |
| 1990s | Fewer roles, family focus; residuals continue; real estate strategy matters more [5] |
| 2000s | Blue Tree opens in 2005; new business income starts [4] |
| 2010s to 2020s | Steady boutique operations; real estate strength; catalog residuals from classics [2][4] |
How does Phoebe Cates net worth compare to other 80s icons?
Direct comparisons are imperfect because each star’s contracts, back-end points, and investments differ. Many 80s names who stepped away from constant acting rely on classic catalog residuals and smart investing. Cates fits that pattern with a balanced portfolio and low-profile lifestyle. In her household, Kevin Kline’s long career on stage and screen is also a factor in the combined number that many trackers publish [1][5].
Could her net worth grow or shrink over the next few years?
Yes. Three forces matter most. First, real estate values in Manhattan. Second, holiday-season viewing and new licensing of Gremlins and other classics that spur residuals. Third, the health and sales volume of Blue Tree. Given her conservative public profile, dramatic swings are unlikely. Slow and steady seems more realistic than sudden spikes or drops [2][4].
What are the highlights of her career in one quick list?
- Breakthrough 1982 role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High [1][2]
- Starring in Gremlins, a blockbuster that still plays every holiday season [4]
- Stepping back in 1994 to focus on family life [5]
- Opening Blue Tree on Madison Avenue in 2005 [4]
- Maintaining a private life while her films keep finding new fans [2][4]
Where can readers explore more celebrity wealth stories like this?
If you enjoy clear breakdowns, check out our hub Unveiled: Celebrity Net Worth Breakdowns 2025 for more deep dives. You might also like our recent feature What Is Bunnie XO Net Worth and How She Earns? for a modern influencer success story with very different income streams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Phoebe Cates net worth right now?
Most reputable sources repeat about 35 million dollars, typically cited as a combined household number with Kevin Kline. That figure aligns across several outlets and has remained stable in recent years [1][2][5].
Why do some sites list a much higher or lower number?
Out-of-date articles sometimes list lower amounts that ignore real estate and her boutique. A few list 45 million dollars, but that is not as widely supported. The 35 million dollar figure has better consensus [1][2][3][5].
Is the 35 million dollars her money alone or combined with Kevin Kline?
Many trackers present a combined household figure. Public sources often phrase it as the combined net worth of Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline. Private details about how the total splits are not disclosed [1][2][5].
What does she do for work today?
She runs Blue Tree, a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York. The shop opened in 2005 and remains active [4].
Why did she leave acting at her peak?
She stepped back in 1994 to put family first, which she maintained through the years while building a life outside Hollywood [5].
Does she still earn money from old movies?
Yes. Residuals can continue for decades when films remain popular. Her classic titles, including Gremlins and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, help sustain those payments [1][4].
Where does Phoebe Cates live?
She is based in New York. Reports highlight Manhattan real estate as a key part of the family’s portfolio [2].
Is Phoebe Cates on social media?
She keeps a low profile. Any accounts that claim to be her may not be official. Her boutique’s updates and public news are the best ways to track verified appearances.
How often is this net worth updated?
We review new reporting each year and adjust if credible sources change their numbers. The current best-supported figure remains about 35 million dollars [1][2][5].
Where can I learn about other celebrities’ net worth?
Browse our hub Celebrity Net Worth Breakdowns 2025 for in-depth profiles and up-to-date estimates.
References
- [1] Celebrity Net Worth (URL: https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/phoebe-cates-net-worth/) – “Reports a combined net worth of about $35 million for Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline.”
- [2] NetWorthFlo (URL: https://networthflo.com/phoebe-cates-net-worth/) – “Lists $35M in 2024, mentions Manhattan real estate up to ~$20M and business ventures; provides career timeline.”
- [3] Intranet ULC (URL: https://intranet.ulc.edu.pe/celebrity-news-updates18/phoebe-cates-in-2024-a-legendary-return.html) – “Cites a higher outlier estimate of $45M that conflicts with broader consensus.”
- [4] The Things (URL: https://www.thethings.com/phoebe-cates-net-worth-quit-hollywood/) – “Notes $35M context, Blue Tree opening in 2005, and Gremlins box office around $153M.”
- [5] The List (URL: https://www.thelist.com/436259/heres-what-phoebe-cates-net-worth-really-is/) – “Reports ~$35M and explains her step back from acting to focus on family.”
