Cates made her film debut in Paradise (1982), but it was later that same year that she landed the role that introduced her to millions of moviegoers.
Her performance as Linda Barrett in Fast Times at Ridgemont High became one of the defining moments of 1980s teen cinema. The coming-of-age comedy also featured future stars including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nicolas Cage, and Eric Stoltz.Language Resources
Over the years, the film has earned recognition as a cultural landmark and was added to the National Film Registry for its historical and cultural significance.
Looking back on the experience, Cates acknowledged that some scenes early in her career were challenging to film, but she also recognized how important the movie became in American cinema.
