Cates Family Genealogy & History

Phoebe Belle Cates Kline, born July 16, 1963, is a renowned American retired actress known for her iconic roles in 1980s films like "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Gremlins," and its sequel "Gremlins 2: The New Batch." Her career highlights include memorable performances in "Drop Dead Fred" and "Princess Caraboo." Cates gained early fame as a teen model before transitioning to acting, where she was known for her versatility and memorable lines, notably in the TV mini-series "Lace." Her impactful presence in both film and theater has left a lasting legacy.

Phoebe Cates hails from a family deeply rooted in television and Broadway. Her father, Joseph Cates, was a significant Broadway producer and TV pioneer, while her uncle, Gilbert Cates, was also influential in television production. Her diverse heritage includes Jewish roots from her father's side and Chinese-Filipino ancestry from her mother, Lily, who was born in Shanghai, China. This rich family background provided a unique cultural and creative influence on her career.

Miriam Joy Cates is a British politician notable for serving as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge from 2019 to 2024. Her political career began as a parish councillor for Oughtibridge Ward and included significant roles such as being a member of the Ecclesiastical and Education Select Committees. Cates gained attention for her advocacy on education policies and her involvement in the Stocksbridge Towns Fund initiative. Despite losing her seat in the 2024 general election, her tenure marked the first Conservative victory in South Yorkshire since 1992.

Miriam Cates was born and raised in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, in a Christian family. Her father was a general practitioner, and her mother held a mathematics degree but was a stay-at-home parent. She has two younger brothers and was influenced by a politically diverse environment, which shaped her conservative ideals despite her school's leftist ethos.

Michael Elmhirst Cates, born on May 5, 1961, is a distinguished British physicist renowned for his contributions to the theory of soft matter, including polymers, colloids, and gels. He holds the prestigious position of the 19th Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a role he has fulfilled since July 1, 2015. Cates has received numerous accolades, such as the Bingham Medal and the Weissenberg Award, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2019. His prolific academic career includes over 350 scientific publications, reflecting his significant impact on the fields of rheology and complex fluid dynamics.

Gilbert Cates was a renowned American film director and television producer, celebrated for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He directed the Geffen Playhouse, served as a founding dean at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television, and produced the Academy Awards telecast 14 times between 1990 and 2008. His notable works include directing films like "I Never Sang for My Father" and "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams," both Oscar-nominated, and recruiting iconic hosts like Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg for the Oscars. Cates was also involved with the Directors Guild of America and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born Gilbert Katz in New York City, Cates was the son of Jewish parents, Nina (née Peltzman) and Nathan Katz, a dress manufacturer. He was the younger brother of Joseph Cates and the uncle of actress Phoebe Cates. Gilbert Cates had four children with his first wife, Jane Betty Dubin, and two stepchildren from his second marriage to Judith Reichman, along with seven grandchildren.