10 Actors Who Retired Way Too Early

9. Phoebe Cates

there will be blood daniel day lewis
Universal

Another actress not exactly known for their award chest, but in this case, rather her, well, chest. Phoebe Cates became an instant heartthrob and sex symbol of the 1980s thanks to her legendary and hilarious bikini- drop scene in 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High. She was even referenced in the newer season of Stranger Things when the topic of "hotness" came up, along with a plethora of other 1980s pop culture icons, so you know she’s legit.

After Fast Times, Cates would go on to be featured in more "family friendly" pictures including the Gremlins movies and yes even 1989's Shag was PG.

She decided to ultimately call it quits after 1994's Princess Caraboo save for the 2001 film The Anniversary Party. Although this was actually a favor of her best friend and Fast Times co-star Jennifer Jason Leigh who directed the movie.

With the benefit of hindsight it's pretty understandable that one would want to slow down a bit after becoming launched into superstardom after such a scene, but that doesn't mean a return to the silver screen wouldn't be welcoming.

Contributor
Contributor

A long necked, left handed yank from the Philly area trying to spread the brotherly love one blurb at a time. International man of mystery and the straw that stirs the drink.