Phoebe Cates (born July 16, 1963) is an American film actress and entrepreneur known for her roles in several teen films, most notably Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins.

Early life

Cates was born in New York City, New York, to a family of TV and Broadway production insiders. Her father Joseph Cates (originally Katz) was a major Broadway producer and a pioneering figure in television, who helped create The $64,000 Question. Her uncle Gilbert Cates produced numerous TV specials, often in partnership with Cates' father, and several annual Academy Awards shows. Her maternal grandfather was of Chinese/Filipino descent, and her father as well as her maternal grandmother were of Russian Jewish origin.