She was one of Hollywood’s rising stars, lighting up the screen in films that became cultural touchstones. Yet, when this actress seemed poised for even greater success, she made an unexpected choice. Her decision to step away from the spotlight was rooted in a love story that began in the theater and ultimately reshaped her life.
She became a household name in the 1980s, starring in a string of hits that defined the era. From romantic comedies to offbeat cult classics, her performances made her one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. However, her aspirations extended beyond the confines of the film industry.
A portrait of the actress, circa 1980s | Source: Getty Images
In the late ’80s, she made headlines for her marriage to a well-established actor, Kevin Kline, who was 16 years her senior and a confirmed bachelor. The two would go on to create a life that defied the usual Hollywood narrative, focusing instead on family and a commitment to staying grounded.
A Chance Meeting That Sparked a Connection
The pair’s paths first crossed in 1982 during a read-through for “The Big Chill.” Although she did not end up in the film, the brief encounter left an impression. Two years later, their lives intersected again at New York’s Public Theater.
At the time, she was fresh off the success of “Gremlins” and rehearsing a Russian play, while he was immersed in his role for Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” Kline, a classically trained actor with two Tony Awards to his name, later reflected on their early encounters with characteristic humor.
Kevin Kline photographed in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
“When I first met [her], I remember thinking, ‘She’s too happy to be with me,'” he said, highlighting her spirited personality, which stood in contrast to his more introspective nature. Despite their different temperaments, their shared passion for the arts set the stage for what would become a lifelong partnership.
The couple attends the Governor’s Ball party after the 1989 Academy Awards on March 29, 1989 | Photo: Greg in Hollywood (Greg Hernandez) CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia Commons
A Private Wedding and a Lifelong Partnership
By March 1989, the bond they had nurtured over several years culminated in an intimate wedding ceremony held in New York City. At just 25 years old, the actress married Kline, who was 41 at the time and already a renowned figure in theater and film.
The low-key celebration reflected the couple’s preference for privacy, inviting only close family and friends to witness the union. Shortly after their marriage, the couple began planning a family, welcoming their son, Owen, in 1991, and their daughter, Greta, in 1994.
Greta, the actress, Kevin, and Owen Kline at the New York Film Festival premiere of “The Squid and the Whale” on September 26, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
To ensure a stable upbringing for their children, they established a system that prioritized family life over their demanding careers. “We have agreed to alternate so that we’re never working at the same time,” Kline explained. But even when it was her turn to work, his wife would choose to stay home with their children.
Reflecting on their early days as a married couple, Kline emphasized the importance of their commitment to family, stating, “We’re both sensible, and we don’t separate for long periods of time. We take care of the marriage.” This decision is what set the stage for their family-centered existence..
Retiring for Family: Her Life-Altering Decision
At the peak of her acting career, she made a choice that surprised both fans and industry insiders—she stepped away from the spotlight entirely. After welcoming her two children, she decided to prioritize her role as a mother over her Hollywood ambitions.
Her husband has often spoken with admiration about her decision, noting that it wasn’t driven by necessity but by her genuine dedication to their family. “That was one of the many things I loved about her,” he shared. “She loved acting while she was doing it, but she was not driven by it, as I had been.”
The former actress at Tavern on the Green for the Fresh Air Fund’s Salute to American Heroes on June 5, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Rather than juggle a demanding career alongside family life, she chose to step back entirely, ensuring her children grew up in a stable and nurturing environment. She managed the household without outside help, apart from occasional assistance with cleaning, and made it a point to cook dinner for the family every night.
Reflecting on this, she once said, “Some people have trouble with that, but I love it. I do it all.” Her decision not only allowed their family to flourish but also reinforced the strong foundation of their marriage, which continued to thrive under the values of compromise and shared priorities.
The former actress, circa 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Raising Remarkable Children in an Artistic Household
The decision to prioritize family created a stable and nurturing environment for Owen and Greta, who grew up surrounded by creativity and support. Both followed their passions in the arts, reflecting their upbringing in an intellectually and artistically rich household.
Kevin Kline, his wife , and their kids, Greta and Owen, at the Supper Club on W. 47th St. on September 25, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Owen made a name for himself as a filmmaker and actor. He gained early recognition for his performance in “The Squid and the Whale” (2005), a critically acclaimed drama in which he portrayed a teenager navigating the complexities of family life.
Despite the accolades, Owen chose to shift his focus to directing, later releasing his debut feature film, “Funny Pages,” in 2022. Reflecting on his parents’ influence, Owen described their steadfast encouragement during his creative journey. “They wanted so badly for me to figure out a way to make my film,” he said.
Greta channeled her artistic talents into music. Performing under the name Frankie Cosmos, she became a celebrated figure in the indie music scene, known for her introspective lyrics and minimalist sound.
