Your IP: On the show, Cates spoke candidly about her battle with obesity and the pelvic infection that caused her to gain nearly 150 lbs. "She was almost a little girl trapped in this body. She was 69. The Oscar-winning actor worked with Cates on the 1993 film, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. ", "Forney actress in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' sheds 240 pounds, looks to act again", "Forney resident Darlene Cates, the overweight mom in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' dies", https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/177845483/darlene-cates, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Darlene_Cates&oldid=1141358852, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 17:36. She was 69. Darlene Cates' Death Unfortunately, even after losing that much weight, Cates had health issues. From Marlon Brando to Leonardo DiCaprio: the art of the awards-ceremony protest, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. "(Dancing was something she talked about loving to do 'back in the day'!)". Im proud of her, says Bob, a postal worker. His career was 32. . Leonardo DiCaprio has paid tribute to Darlene Cates as the best acting mom I ever had following her death at the age of 69. The actor played the late actress' son in the 1993 flick, but still . After Gilbert Grape, Cates made a couple of appearances in TV shows Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. [citation needed], Her performance in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, her first attempt at acting in any form, received critical acclaim and was lauded by her costars Leonardo DiCaprio[2] and Johnny Depp. Cates, who is also set to star in the 2017 film 'Billboard,' died in her sleep of natural causes. 9665 Wilshire Blvd. All the Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up in 2023, 'Vanderpump Rules' Stars Who Split: All the Couples Who Broke Up, LPBW Stars Love to Swim! "Thank you so much, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Reads in part, "Thank you for waking Gilbert up/ and thank you for opening me up./ You really are incredible -/ and most beautiful./ i love you doll -/ Johnny/ giLbert . American Actress. Leonardo DiCaprio has paid tribute to actress Darlene Cates who died Sunday at the age of 69. Cates was seen on a video in a 1992 episode of Sally titled "Too Loaded to Quit Their Job" by . Cates is survived by her husband Robert and three children Sheri, Mark and Chris as well as four grandchildren. Filha encontra carta deixada pelo pai falecido dentro de disco dos Beatles aps 1 ano de buscas - Pais He went on to be nominated in an acting category three more times before his fifth nomination for The Revenant finally garnered him a Best Actor Oscar in 2016. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The part earned DiCaprio his first Academy Award nomination in the best supporting actor category. Darlene Cates died at the age of 69 years. Cates died in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, according to. "Darlene was heartbroken," said the source. Cates passed away in her sleep Sunday. Darlene Cates had a lot of difficulty overcoming her weight throughout her life. Death of Darlene Cates. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #johnnydepp, #johnny_depp, #johnnydeppstyle, #johnnydeppthecat, # . Cates was cast in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape as morbidly obese mother, Bonnie, to Johnny Depps Gilbert. March 28, 2017. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. Cates married Robert Cates, a U.S. Marine, on January 11, 1963. Leonardo DiCaprio and Nina Agdal join Orlando Bloom during Johnny Depp accuses former business managers of 'smear Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Ken Bruce: 'I always wanted to be a radio presenter from about 15', Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' In a 2004 PEOPLE story, Cates shared that she had her stomach stapled in 1981 when she weighed 410 lbs. NEW YORK --Darlene Cates, best known for playing the mother of Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in 1993's "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died at 69. Depp. 'Gilbert Grape' Mom Darlene Cates Dead: Johnny Depp Broke Her Heart! Touching role: Cates was discovered on a talk show and invited to play the obese mother of mentally-challenged Arnie, played by DiCaprio, and Gilbert, played by Johnny Depp. Her endearing personality and incredible talent will live on in the memories of those who knew her, and those who loved her work. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. to 331 and hoped to get back into acting. Actors : Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Darlene Cates, John C. Reilly Dubbed: : English Subtitles: : English Studio : Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment ASIN : B072ZDY948 Country of Origin : USA Number of discs : 1 . Darlene Cates now weighs 500 pounds, and while she became a surrogate mom to Leo and Johnny during filming, both ignored her requests for a 20th anniversary reunion, said an insider. She. The Roloff Familys Bathing Suit Photos, Meet Return to Amishs Sabrinas Newborn: Cutest Photos of Baby No. She spent five years at home, unable to walk, weighing in at 575 pounds, the Dallas . Today, though still extremely heavy at 5 ft.9 in. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. . Her husband, Bob, 56, has stuck by her for 31 years, and their three children - Sheri, 28, Mark, 24, and Chris, 22 - provide a support system, just like the movie mothers kids. Darlene's daughter, Sheri Cates Morgan, announced the news of her mother's death in a Facebook post. "Darlene Cates Knows a Weighty Role When It's Offered", "Darlene Cates Loses 250 Lbs., Sets Sights on Acting Again", "Oscars flashback: whatever happened to Gilbert Grape's mama? (Dancing was something she talked about loving to do "back in the day"!)' Reads in part, "Thank you for waking Gilbert up/ and thank you for opening me up./ You really are incredible -/ and most beautiful./ i love you doll -/ Johnny/ giLbert.". What did Darlene Cates weight? The Mafia dons caught working in pizzerias, a pub and as a door-to-door salesman when the cops finally 'Gilbert Grape' Star Darlene Cates Dead at 69 | TMZ.com, Forney actress in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape sheds 240 pounds, looks to act again | News | Dallas News, Do not sell or share my personal information. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2c23cc8b2d3b2f She turned to food for comfort, causing her weight to balloon out of control. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. He said, "I have great, very great, strong feelings for Darlene. What will the next pandemic be? Deceased (1947-2017) . Darlene Cates had been an English model who was conceived by Rita Darlene Guthrie on December 13, 1947 and died on March 26, 2017. Everything We Know, Pax Jolie-Pitt Shops for Groceries During Rare Solo Outing, Tom Sandoval Cheated on Ariana Madix With Raquel Leviss for 6 Months, Inside 90 Day Fiance Stars Molly Hopkins and Kelly Browns Split, Stars Who Died in 2023: Honoring the Celebrities We Lost This Year, Are Teen Mom' Alum Ryan Edwards and Mackenzie Still Together? The doctors strongly advised her to reduce her weight. She gets into the emotion very quickly, he says. So far there is no official cause of death but most of Depp's friends and critics believe that his long-time addiction to terrible scripts like The Lone Ranger coupled with the pain of low Rotten Tomatoes scores such as Mortdecai's 12% . Darlene Cates, who starred as Bonnie Grape in 1993's "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died in her sleep on Sunday morning, her family told TMZ. She is, like, my prom queen., Cates wants to act again - and has an offer. 90 Day Fiance Stars Weve Lost Over the Years, Still Together? The . Darlene Cates, who played the housebound mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, has died.Cates died in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, according to her son-in . The actress was allegedly discovered by "Gilbert Grape" author and screenwriter Peter Hedges after she appeared on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael's talk show titled "Too Heavy to Leave Their House." The world's best movie director you've never heard of: How little-known film-maker has even toppled the A big Beckham birthday! She became known for her role in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, in which she played the title character's housebound mother. "I was sort of skeptical, but when I started reading, Lasse threw his hands in the air and said, 'Finally! The honeytrap plot that left father-of-six dead: Moment two women lead victim into his flat to seduce him Why is Britain experiencing so many earthquakes? She was. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Johnny Depp, Darlene Cates, and Laura Harrington in What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Darlene Cates, best known for playing the housebound mother Bonnie in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday, March 26. According to her son-in-law, David Morgan, Cates died in her sleep on Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas. She was 69. Welcome to the Coronation! Discover short videos related to johnny depp with darlene cates on TikTok. Is Darlene Cates still alive? Rex/Shutterstock. Cates died in her sleep at her home in Forney, Texas, on Sunday, her family confirmed. All Rights Reserved. Then, she says, she heard this voice pushing her. She was 69. And she has needed it. 'We take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is in the arms of our Heavenly Father, breaking away only to dance with our Savior, Jesus. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. "The pressures that caused you to seek solace in food are still there when you come home from the hospital.". Prince Andrew chuckles as he encounters female jogger on way to his weekly Windsor horse-riding trip. Details, VPRs Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix Break Up Amid Raquel Cheating Rumors, Inside Sister Wives Star Christine Browns Utah Home: Photos, Inside 90 Days Big Ed, Liz Post Tell-All Reconciliation: See Timeline, Rebels! The note is inscribed on the back of page eight of a revised script from the film. I'm so proud of you.". But also memorable was the emotionally tormented, seriously depressed and extremely obese mother of DiCaprio and Johnny Depp's characters, played by Darlene Cates, whose gripping performance was . Darlene Cates Death Despite her significant weight loss, Cates continued to experience health issues. 01:36 Darlene Cates, the actress best known for her role as Bonnie Grape in What's Eating Gilbert Grap e, died Sunday morning, her daughter Sheri Cates Morgan announced on Facebook. See Paris Jackson's Transformation Over the Years, Dixie D'Amelio Joined the Blonde Side: Photos of Her Hair Transformation, It's Over! In 1992, she received her high school diploma via correspondence courses. She was 69. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March . Details, VPRs Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix Break Up Amid Raquel Cheating Rumors, Inside Sister Wives Star Christine Browns Utah Home: Photos, Inside 90 Days Big Ed, Liz Post Tell-All Reconciliation: See Timeline, Rebels! Personal life. Cates grew up in the panhandle town of Dumas, Texas, the daughter of a homemaker and a gas-station attendant who divorced when she was 12. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Expected to Skip Coronation; MANY A-List Music Icons Leonardo DiCaprio is paying tribute to one of his most formative co-stars. Her son-in-law, David. Darlene Cates, who played a housebound mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died today. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She also hopes to lose weight, but, she says, God has his own timetable., After all, she reasons, all this stuff happened to me because Im fat., This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. Despite having no previous acting experience, she earned critical acclaim. When the The Guardian released a statement on the actress's death, Leonard DiCaprio paid tribute to the actress identifying her as "the best acting mom I ever had". Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? After a years courtship they married; he was 25, she 15. Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" It was a breakout movie role for the 19-year-old DiCaprio, appearing in the same year as his starring role in "This Boy . Shes always had that pioneer spirit.. December 13, 1947 - March 26, 2017 . 'Gilbert Grape' Star Dead At 69 How Leonardo & Johnny Broke Her Heart Darlene Cates was forgotten by costars who praised her! "That thing that made you fat in the first place? She had one daughter, Sheri Ann, and two sons, Mark and Chris. Six years ago, weighing nearly 600 lbs. 6, Gone Too Soon! She was. Grape screenwriter Peter Hedges caught her first Sally appearance and showed a tape to director Lasse Hallstrom. LOS ANGELES Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. Sisters Tammys Husband Calebs Sweet Proposal, 90 Day Fiance's Nicole Regrets Forcing Mahmoud to Break Cultural Norm. Cates, 69, gained recognition in 1993 with her role as Bonnie Grape, the obese, dysfunctional mother to characters played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. All the Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up in 2023, 'Vanderpump Rules' Stars Who Split: All the Couples Who Broke Up, LPBW Stars Love to Swim! Cates, best known for playing Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's housebound and overweight mother in the Peter Hedges novel-turned-movie, was 69. while she was bedridden for nearly two years, bringing her weight to over 500 lbs. Darlene Cates (1947 - 2017) Film Deaths What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) [ Bonnie Grape ]: Dies of a heart attack (off-screen) after climbing the stairs and getting into bed; her body is shown afterwards when her son ( Leonardo DiCaprio) discovers her, not initially understanding that she's dead. Keen to get away from the neighbours? Viewers responded with cards and gifts, and a month later she was invited back. 90 Day Fiance's Hamza's Green Card Status 'Battle' Amid Memphis Divorce, '90 Day Fiance' Star Memphis Smith Alleges Hamza Moknii Was 'Abusive', 90 Day's Hamza Requested Paternity Test for Daughter Amid Memphis Split, Why Did Miley and Liam Split? IE 11 is not supported. Darlene Cates has been died on Mar 26, 2017 ( age 69). Hedges offered her the role of a morbidly obese mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, which she accepted. Each time he left, Darlene, who says she was pleasingly plump as a teenager, took solace in food. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.". The Hollywood star, who played Cates' son in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, described her as 'the best acting mom I ever had theprivilege of working alongside. Editor's Picks; Entertainment. All About Cynthia Daniel, 'Hairspray Live!' Sheri wrote. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Famous part: Cates is pictured alongside (L-R) Leonardo DiCaprio, Laura Harrington, Johnny Depp and Kate Schellhardt in the film that earned DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination. She was 69. Click to reveal On the program, Cates discussed how being obese impacted her life. In 2012, Cates gave an interview to theDallas Morning Newsin which she expressed her hopes of acting again after a series of weight loss procedures. Darlene Cates, who played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's housebound mother in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, passes away at 69. The Revenant star, who played Cates' son in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert. Let's start bidding on the best fine arts and antiques, Enter email to create an account to start bidding on the best fine arts and antiques. She was 69 years old. FORNEY, TX (CBS SF) - Best known for her role as the housebound mother to Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape, actress Darlene Cates has died at the . I wanted someone to give me attention, she says. Inside Cheating Rumors, Their Divorce, Inside 1000-Lb. Darlene Cates, who played DiCaprio and Johnny Depp 's mother in 1993 drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape, recently died at . She was 69. 90 Day Fiance's Hamza's Green Card Status 'Battle' Amid Memphis Divorce, '90 Day Fiance' Star Memphis Smith Alleges Hamza Moknii Was 'Abusive', 90 Day's Hamza Requested Paternity Test for Daughter Amid Memphis Split, Why Did Miley and Liam Split? Although she dropped 100 lbs. Darlene Cates, who starred as Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprios obese, housebound mother in 1993s Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday morning. See Paris Jackson's Transformation Over the Years, Dixie D'Amelio Joined the Blonde Side: Photos of Her Hair Transformation, It's Over! I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Cates' daughter, Sheri Cates Morgan, announced in a Facebook post that he The Best Celebrity Bikini Moments of 2023 So Far, Pretty Young Thing! Please be advised that property cannot be shipped to post office boxes. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. Johnny Depp, from left, Darlene Cates and Leonardo DiCaprio at the "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" premiere in 1993. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Forney, Texas. People remember the cautionary TV commercials from Southampton 1-0 Leicester LIVE: Carlos Alcaraz gives Saints the lead as Premier League's bottom side bounce 'I want to be a French child!' Everything We Know, Pax Jolie-Pitt Shops for Groceries During Rare Solo Outing, Tom Sandoval Cheated on Ariana Madix With Raquel Leviss for 6 Months, Inside 90 Day Fiance Stars Molly Hopkins and Kelly Browns Split, Stars Who Died in 2023: Honoring the Celebrities We Lost This Year, Are Teen Mom' Alum Ryan Edwards and Mackenzie Still Together? and weakened by chronic illness, she was so depressed she wouldnt leave her modest brick home in Forney, Texas. Born December 13, 1947 Died March 26, 2017 (69) Add to list My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.. Here's the wonderful Darlene Cates seen here strolling down the red carpet with co-star Johnny Depp, being at home with her family, and in the make-up room. OtakuKart. 64.111.109.93 In 2012, Cates had lost 240 pounds after a series of health issues in 2010 kept her hospitalized for nearly a year, and she expressed a desire to resume her acting career. It is a role that rang true to Cates, 46, who believes that what the scales say doesnt have a thing to do with your value. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. She was ready for her return, though, and got a role in the 2014 short film Mother. The actress played Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp's morbidly obese mother Bonnie in 1993's "What's Eating Gilbert Grape ." In the movie, Bonnie hadn't left the house in years. Published: 02:22 GMT, 29 March 2017 | Updated: 15:30 GMT, 29 March 2017. The actress told the paper she hoped to play roles similar to the one that she is remembered best for today. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Darlene Cates of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' dead at 69 The actress also appeared on the TV series "Picket Fences" and "Touched by an Angel." By Annie Martin March 28 (UPI) -- What's. She was 69. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March. Cates died on Sunday aged 69. The actress will appear posthumously in the upcoming comedy Billboard, following a lifelong struggle with weight that once saw her balloon to 550 lbs. a struggle that actually launched her film career in the first place. duration : 0.28961s v4.2 - 2023-03-03 07:04:42, Ellen Barkin doesn't think speaking out against Johnny Depp was an 'act of bravery', Lily-Rose Depp still obsessed with fame hungry singer she plays in The Idol, Lily Rose Depp insists shes super aware of privilege as nepo baby row rages. Darlene Cates, who starred as Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's obese, housebound mother in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday morning. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. In fact, the role of Momma was expanded after Hallstrom discovered Cates could act. Manga Recommendations Hi, what are you looking for? Cates' acting career ignited after she appeared on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael (1983), titled "Too Heavy to Leave Their House". "Darlene was the best acting mom I ever had the . Cates was best-known for director Lasse Hallstrom's drama, which starred. He loved her from the minute he saw her, says Hedges. Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien's Auctions produces high profile auctions in the film, music, sports and art markets. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March 26, 2017, Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction. Her overeating, compounded by a thyroid condition and slow metabolism, led to substantial weight gains. According to the Dallas Morning News, Cates' struggle with weight began when she had her first child (of three) at age 18 and her husband, who was in the Marines, traveled overseas. The Roloff Familys Bathing Suit Photos, Meet Return to Amishs Sabrinas Newborn: Cutest Photos of Baby No. Darlene Cates (Bonnie Grape) After playing Gilbert and Arnie's mother in Gilbert Grape, Darlene landed roles on TV shows Picket Fences and Touched by an Angel and appeared in films Wolf Girl and . The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Her breakout role in Hollywood was also her first when she was offered the role of a housebound mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Darlene Cates, who starred as Bonnie Grape in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio has died.. ', My 'best acting mom': Leonardo DiCaprio paid tribute to his What's Eating Gilbert Grape co-star Darlene Cates who died on Sunday, calling her 'an incredible talent'. Her weight hit an all-time high of 600 pounds at one point. The actress died Sunday morning in her sleep. Cates died in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, according to her son-in-law, David Morgan. Darlene Cates and Leonardo DiCaprio at the premiere of 1993 film Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. After "Gilbert Grape" Cates' acting career was limited to guest turns in "Touched by an Angel," "Picket Fences" and the TV movie "Wolf Girl.". She had four grandchildren and lived in Forney, Texas. American mom living in Paris mesmerizes the internet after revealing the VERY From Prince Harry 'peeing his pants' the day he met Meghan to what the Queen REALLY thought of Archie and Kate and Prince William 'are keen' for Prince George to have official role in King Charles' coronation - but Royally hard work! There was a sweetness to her.". She rose to prominence as the eponymous cast's bed bound mother in the 1993 picture What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Cates went on to appear in several TV shows including Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. Julien's Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovatRead more, A Johnny Depp handwritten signed note to Darlene Cates. Star Maddie Baillio Reveals 150-Lb. The drama, which starred a young Johnny Depp, notably earned DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination. The cast of Whats Eating Gilbert Grape: Leonardo Dicaprio, Laura Harrington, Johnny Depp, Darlene Cates and Kate Schellhardt. Two years later she met Bob and lied to him about her age. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the actress says, "I just can't tell you (Depp) how much I appreciate the time we spent as family on the movie, and how much I appreciate that you would still like to be in touch, especially because I know how busy you are. Stephanie Petit is a Royals Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE. [3], Cates married Robert Cates, a U.S. Marine, on January 11, 1963. She had a lifelong struggle with obesity, weighing as much as 550 lbs. In 1992, she finished high school via correspondence courses and emerged from her house after a five-year period of reclusion, accepting an invitation, proffered through a support group she belonged to, to appear on a Sally Jessy Raphael show about overweight people who dont leave their homes. The comments below have not been moderated. Darlene Cates, who starred as Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio 's obese, housebound mother in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday morning. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Miles Dale flew a small crew and the film's stars from Romania to Texas to shoot their scenes with Cates. Darlene Cates, best remembered as the actress who played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprios obese, housebound mother in the 1993 film Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday morning at age 69.