Despite initial doubts, the paths of actors Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline intertwined at an audition in 1982, leading to a marriage that has now flourished for over three decades. Their enduring relationship, largely shielded from the relentless spotlight of Hollywood, stands as a testament to a connection that prioritizes family and privacy. They married seven years after their first encounter and built their life together in New York City, raising two children away from the typical Hollywood frenzy.
Kline himself confessed to initial reservations about their compatibility. In a 2002 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he humorously recalled thinking, “When I first met Phoebe, I remember thinking, ‘She’s too happy to be with me,’ She’s too enthusiastic about life. …. What’ll we talk about?’” However, their contrasting personalities evidently complemented each other, forging a bond that has withstood the test of time.
While Phoebe Cates stepped back from acting to focus on family, and they both maintain a low profile regarding their personal life, their romance remains one of Hollywood’s most admired and enduring. Here’s a closer look into the relationship timeline of Kevin Kline And Phoebe Cates.
Serendipitous Beginnings: Meeting at an Audition
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Phoebe Cates, already a rising star after the success of the iconic teen film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Kevin Kline, a distinguished theater actor with classical training, first met at an audition for the 1983 film The Big Chill. Although Cates wasn’t cast in the movie, Kline secured a role that would become one of his most memorable performances. Fate intervened a few years later when their paths crossed again at the New York Public Theater, where they were both involved in different theatrical productions. It was during this second encounter that their romantic journey began. They started dating soon after, laying the foundation for their long-lasting relationship.
Navigating a 16-Year Age Difference
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The age gap between Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, with Kline being 16 years older, was a point Kline openly addressed. When they married, Kline was 41 and Cates was 25. In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Kline reflected on this aspect of their relationship within the context of Hollywood’s youth-obsessed culture. “I was 40-ish when I finally stopped obsessing about acting and thought it would be nice to have a life and actually got married,” he explained. He further added, “If I had married someone my own age, the possibility of progeny would have been very slim. I didn’t consciously say: ‘Hey, we could make babies; want to get married?’ It just happened that way.” His candid remarks offered a glimpse into their life choices and the timing of their relationship.
A Private Wedding in 1989
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Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates solidified their commitment in a private wedding ceremony held on March 5, 1989, in New York City. Staying true to their preference for privacy, the details of their wedding were kept out of the public eye, emphasizing their desire for an intimate celebration with loved ones, away from the media frenzy often associated with celebrity weddings.
Family Life and Stepping Away from the Spotlight
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The arrival of their children further shaped their lives. Their first son, Owen Joseph, was born in 1991, followed by their daughter, Greta Simone, in 1994. Phoebe Cates made a conscious decision to prioritize raising their children, putting her acting career on hold. This decision reflected their shared commitment to family.
Kline mentioned in a 1998 interview their agreement to alternate work schedules to ensure one parent was always present for their children. “We have agreed to alternate so that we’re never working at the same time,” Kline explained. “Whenever it’s been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children.” Kline expressed admiration for Cates’ contentment in stepping away from the limelight, noting, “That was one of the many things I loved about her. She loved acting while she was doing it, but she was not driven by it, as I had been.”
Interestingly, the family made a rare on-screen appearance together in The Anniversary Party (2001), directed by Jennifer Jason Leigh, Cates’s former Fast Times costar. Today, Greta is known for her music as a member of the band Frankie Cosmos, and Owen works in the film industry, even having acted in the movie The Squid and the Whale (2005). Kline has noted the advantage their children have grown up with, stating, “One of the good things about having your parents in this job is that there’s no mystique to show business.” Despite their individual pursuits, family remains central. “We have dinner all together once a week at least,” Kline shared, emphasizing their consistent family ritual.
New York City: A Home Away From Hollywood
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Choosing to reside in New York City has been a deliberate decision for Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, allowing them to maintain a relatively normal life away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. While they occasionally make appearances at premieres, award shows like the Oscars and Tonys, and are sometimes photographed at events such as basketball games, they largely keep their relationship and family life private. This conscious effort to stay out of the constant media glare underscores their commitment to normalcy and each other, making their enduring romance a refreshing and inspiring story in the world of celebrity relationships.
