At age 10, Phoebe Cates wished to pursue dancing, which then turned to model. This was short-lived however, remarking the industry was not to her liking: “it was just the same thing, over and over…I did it solely for the money.” Rolling Stone described her role in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” as having “the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history,” and it seems Cates enjoyed filming the flick as well!
She then starred in the 80s cult film “Gremlins” as well as its sequel; but not to worry, if you pour water on her, she won’t multiply and turn into an impish creature! In such demand, Cates graced the covers of Seventeen, Tiger Beat and Teen Beat. Cates, in 2005 decided to expand her horizons further, opening her own boutique, Blue Tree on the very fashionable Madison Avenue, New York.
Christina Applegate
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but in Applegate’s case, it seems maybe her mother is, quoted as saying; “I wasn’t one to go out and buy a new car and stereo system and expensive clothes. My mom helped keep me grounded.” Seems that Christina had a parent who cared for her well-being, and instilled good values which she still carries with her! Well remembered for her role as Kelly Bundy on "Married…with Children," Christina established herself in both film and TV, winning an Emmy Award, and earning Tony and Golden Globe nominations.
Smart, beautiful, and funny, the star seemed to have it all; however, she too was struck with tragedy, being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Luckily, the actress caught cancer before it could develop into something more malignant, even if it meant having a double mastectomy. A real-life Wonder Woman.
Jennifer Grey
Every older sister with a pesky younger brother definitely sympathized with Jennifer Grey’s portrayal of Jeanie in "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!" But it was her role in "Dirty Dancing" which elevated her to icon status; frequently the dance scene with Swayze tops lists for one of the most romantic in film history! The role even earned Grey a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Her 2011 appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" saw her win the competition, which was extraordinary, on the back of the removal of a cancerous node on her spine! In 2017, Grey, like many other celebrated women, participated in the Los Angeles 2017 Women’s March. #GIRLPOWER.
Jami Gertz
What do "Crossroads," "The Lost Boys," "Less Than Zero," "Quicksilver," "Square Pegs" and "Twister" have in common? Jami Gertz of course! Best known for these roles, Gertz was discovered in a nationwide talent search by Norman Lear! As a child, she starred in "Diff’rent Stroke"s and "The Facts of Life," before moving onto film, making her debut in the 1981 romance flick "Endless Love."
As she matured, she gained more attention, as well as appearing alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland! Further roles in "Still Standing," "Ally McBeal," and "The Neighbours" make Gertz still very much a household name! But it doesn’t stop there; Gertz serves as a board director for the Melanoma Research Alliance – so she’s putting her hard-earned dollars to bettering the lives of others. Way to go, girl!
Catherine Bell
Major babe alert! We’re all thinking damn, now that’s a woman who looks good in uniform! Best known as Major Sarah MacKenzie in "JAG," Catherine Lisa Bell stole the hearts of Americans and Marines alike! She is quoted as saying: “Almost every Marine I’ve met says I portray a Marine dead-on, which is really, really flattering.”
The American-Iranian stunner also starred in Army Wives as well as the film and TV Series "The Good Witch." It seems there’s a bit of a trend with these actresses from the 90s, all coming on board the Netflix train! In 2016, Bell starred in the Netflix original film, "The Do-Over," starring Adam Sandler and David Spade. More recently, there were rumors floating around on the Internet about a "JAG" reunion! Please be true! Please be true!!!