When it comes to the ultimate girl next door, it’s impossible not to mention Phoebe Cates and her iconic role as Linda Barrett in the 1982 classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Over the years, there has been some debate about her beauty, but many agree that she perfectly embodied the ‘girl next door’ look. She wasn’t quite exotic or supermodel hot, but she had an innocent and approachable attractiveness that made her the dream girl for many young men.
However, don’t mistake her approachable demeanor for being easy. In the film, Cates portrayed a sexually-active young woman who was still quite selective about her partners. She was the kind of girl that young men would fantasize about, but deep down, they believed they had a chance with her if the stars aligned. Her innocent appearance, combined with her ability to look seductive when she wanted to, only added to her appeal.
The infamous pool scene from the movie has a couple of interesting behind-the-scenes facts that you might find intriguing.
Phoebe was hesitant to go topless in the scene.
Cates was concerned that neighbors might be spying on the film set and didn’t want unauthorized photos or videos of her circulating. She eventually agreed to do the scene, but only after she and the director were confident that no one was spying on her. While there’s no record of anyone being caught trying to snap pictures, it’s worth noting that her topless scene would have been available for anyone to see once the movie was released.
The masturbation scene took Phoebe by surprise.
Cates knew the scene was coming, but what she and the rest of the crew didn’t know was that Judge Reinhold had brought a large dildo to use as a prop. When she walked in on him, her look of disgust and shock was genuine. It’s fascinating how many authentic reactions are captured in movies that are assumed to be purely acting. Reinhold wanted to add a touch of realism to the scene but didn’t think it was necessary to inform anyone else. Thankfully, Cates stuck to the script and didn’t ruin the shot.
After Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, Cates’ career continued but never quite reached the same level of success. In Gremlins, she still portrayed the girl next door, but with a more mature and subdued demeanor. It’s unclear what caused this change, but her acting never quite reached elite status. She has been a memorable character in a few films, but overall, she remains a fond memory for many fans.
Eventually, Cates stepped away from the spotlight and opened her own boutique on Madison Avenue in New York. Whether she’ll ever return to the big screen is uncertain, but if she’s happy with her current endeavors, that’s what matters most. She will always have a special place in our memories as the ultimate girl next door, and her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High remains one of the best parts of a film that many still consider a classic.
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