Stranger Things 3 is still one of the most popular shows in the world after its premiere on Netflix on July 4, 2019. As more fans watch the season of Stranger Things, the more they are asking one important question about the third season: who is Phoebe Cates?

Cates is referenced over and over again throughout the third season, including in the first episode when Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) claims his girlfriend, Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo), who he met at science camp, is “Phoebe Cates. Only hotter.”

It’s crazy, to me, that some people don’t know who Cates is, but I’m guessing that’s because they haven’t the movies she’s most famous for and came out in the 1980s. As Stranger Things is set in the 80s, it only makes sense for her to be a part of the show in this way.

Stranger Things recently poked fun on Twitter at the fact that many fans, especially the younger fans, don’t know who Cates. Check out the tweet below!

For those who don’t know, Cates is a very famous actress best known for her work on popular 80s movies, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and Gremlins (1984). She also starred in the film Private School, which also starred a Stranger Things star, Matthew Modine.

You can also watch Gremlins on Netflix right now!

At the end of Stranger Things 3, Steve Harrington knocks over a cardboard cutout of Cates from Fast Times at Ridgemont High at the video store. He, then, picks “Fast Times” as one of his favorite movies. Minutes earlier, he was quizzed on his movie knowledge by Keith, the cheese puff-eating manager of the video store. He upgraded from the arcade in Stranger Things 2. 

If you didn’t know who Cates was during the third season, you probably didn’t know who Alex P. Keaton was either.

Back to the Future plays a big part in the third season. There are a few references to the film, and Steve, Robin and Erica hide there while trying to escape the Russians.

Steve, unfortunately, does not know Marty McFly, the main character of the film, is played by Michael J. Fox. Instead, Steve refers to Fox’s character as “Alex P. Keaton,” which was the name of Fox’s character in the hit sitcom Family Ties.