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. "When [director] Lasse [Hallstrm] saw the tape of Darlene, he started to cry, because she had the heart and the spirit of what the mother should feel like," Hedges told EW in 2014. Today, though still extremely heavy at 5 ft.9 in. (Dancing was something she talked about loving to do "back in the day"!)' Cates was seen on a video in a 1992 episode of Sally titled "Too Loaded to Quit Their Job" by . She was. After a years courtship they married; he was 25, she 15. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The note is inscribed on the back of page eight of a revised script from the film. 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! They don't cut that out during surgery," she explained. In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. The actress died Sunday morning in her sleep. In 2012, Cates revealed to the Dallas Morning News that she had shed 250 lbs. LOS ANGELES Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. Death of Darlene Cates. She was 69. All bidders must provide street addresses for their shipping address. 'Red Ruby Da Sleeze' Lyrics, 'Teen Mom' Alum Ryan Edwards Has a Long Criminal History: Timeline, Is Kim Zolciak-Biermann's Mansion in Foreclosure? Cates was cast in the film as the morbidly obese mother of Johnny. Cates passed away in her sleep Sunday. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Johnny Depp, Darlene Cates, and Laura Harrington in What's Eating Gilbert Grape? 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! 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. Cates took the role of the morbidly obese and housebound mother of Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, which was written by the novelist and screenwriter Peter Hedges. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. "It is with a bitter-sweet heart that we share that our precious wife,. Cates' acting career ignited after she appeared on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael (1983), titled "Too Heavy to Leave Their House". 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? 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!' 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. ". She was 69. Vanderpump Rules' Tom Says Hes Hated Amid Ariana Split, Raquel Affair, Is Nicki Minaj Shading Megan Thee Stallion? Producer J. Darlene Cates, who played DiCaprio and Johnny Depp 's mother in 1993 drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape, recently died at . 6, Gone Too Soon! The Roloff Familys Bathing Suit Photos, Meet Return to Amishs Sabrinas Newborn: Cutest Photos of Baby No. By National ENQUIRER Staff Mar 28, 2017 @ 11:25AM View gallery 4 Files/Getty Share Comments 6, Gone Too Soon! She spent five years at home, unable to walk, weighing in at 575 pounds, the Dallas . 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'. Editor's Picks; Entertainment. Shes always had that pioneer spirit.. dropping from 575 lbs. She was 69. Stephanie Petit is a Royals Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE. She was 69. Find out what Uber drivers really think of you! Returns to Acting After Tabloid Outing, Addiction and Rejection 'Trauma', Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan's Relationship Timeline, Aaron Carter Dead: Looking Back at the Former Child Star's Ups and Downs, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves' Relationship Timeline, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's Relationship Timeline, All About Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde's 2 Kids, 'Game of Thrones' Star Jack Gleeson Weds Risn O'Mahony in 'Simple, Prayerful and Dignified' Ceremony, Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk's Relationship Timeline, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's 6 Kids: Everything to Know. The Oscar-winning actor worked with Cates on the 1993 film, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. March 28, 2017. 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. The Best Celebrity Bikini Moments of 2023 So Far, Pretty Young Thing! She was 69. All About Cynthia Daniel, 'Hairspray Live!' Six years ago, weighing nearly 600 lbs. Darlene Cates's birth sign is Sagittarius. 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." "(Dancing was something she talked about loving to do 'back in the day'!)". After Gilbert Grape, Cates made a couple of appearances in TV shows Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. She had one daughter, Sheri Ann, and two sons, Mark and Chris. Cates died on Sunday aged 69. Star Maddie Baillio Reveals 150-Lb. What did Darlene Cates weight? Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? 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 also had a small role in the 2001 film Wolf Girl. Her performance earned stellar reviews; Roger Ebert . Darlene Cates had been an English model who was conceived by Rita Darlene Guthrie on December 13, 1947 and died on March 26, 2017. IE 11 is not supported. In a 2004 PEOPLE story, Cates shared that she had her stomach stapled in 1981 when she weighed 410 lbs. Cates starred as Depp's mother in the film What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Paramount, 1993). She was 69. See Photos of the Duggars Rocking Piercings: Ear, Nose, More, Lets Go to the Beach! . She was 69. 1, 'Welcome to Plathville' Kim Plath's DUI Case Closed: Fine, More Details, Sister Wives Kody, Robyn Were With a Mystery Blonde: Identity Revealed, Megan Fox and MGK's Relationship Is 'Toxic': 'There Is Concern for Her', Farrah Abraham Slams Mom-Shamers Over Daughter Sophias Piercings. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. "Thank you so much, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Her daughter, Sheri Cates Morgan, announced her passing on a Facebook post.[5][6]. Home; News. "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," the daughter wrote. Oscar-winning actor pays tribute to endearing personality and incredible talent of Whats Eating Gilbert Grape co-star. [1] Television roles followed on the shows Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. 90 Day Fiance Stars Weve Lost Over the Years, Still Together? She passed away on March 26, 2017. "She was almost a little girl trapped in this body. Cates starred as Depp's mother in the film What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Paramount, 1993). Darlene Cates was born in Borger, United . Cates will best remembered for playing Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's housebound and overweight mother in 1993's 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape.' Her other acting work included appearances in the TV series Picket Fences and Touched by an Angel. "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? Will El Salvador's new mega-prison turn into a bloodbath? 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 in her sleep at her home in Forney, Texas, on Sunday, her family confirmed. She's lost more than 40 percent of her top weight from 575 . Miles Dale flew a small crew and the film's stars from Romania to Texas to shoot their scenes with Cates. Then 64, she revealed she had spent almost a year in hospital from December 2010 to November 2011 and after four surgeries and three near-death experiences, had lost almost 250 pounds. Cates married Robert Cates, a U.S. Marine, on January 11, 1963. The actress died in her sleep on Sunday morning, according to her daughter, Sherri Cates Morgan. Despite having no previous acting experience, she earned critical acclaim. thanks to the surgery, the weight came back plus some, causing her to tip the scales at 550 lbs. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' has died. Viewers responded with cards and gifts, and a month later she was invited back. . Darlene Cates, who played a housebound mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died today. You look into those eyes and melt, he says. She was. Two years later she met Bob and lied to him about her age. 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." However, she was again housebound due to several health scares that kept her in the hospital for nearly a year. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. Cates went on to appear in several TV shows including Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. Cates, feeling hopelessly sick and overweight, often found herself contemplating suicide. 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 A Johnny Depp handwritten signed note to Darlene Cates. 'Gilbert Grape' Mom Darlene Cates Dead: Johnny Depp Broke Her Heart! Darlene Cates, best remembered as the actress who played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio s obese, housebound mother in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on. He would always come up and give me a kiss, she says.