Writer Peter Hedges, who wrote the screenplay for the film based on his own novel, discovered Cates on an episode of the Sally Jessy Raphael talk show, in an episodetitled Too Heavy to Leave Their House. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. The cast of Whats Eating Gilbert Grape: Leonardo Dicaprio, Laura Harrington, Johnny Depp, Darlene Cates and Kate Schellhardt. ', 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'. 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. Each time he left, Darlene, who says she was pleasingly plump as a teenager, took solace in food. 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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,. The actress died in her sleep on Sunday morning, according to her daughter, Sherri Cates Morgan. [3], Cates married Robert Cates, a U.S. Marine, on January 11, 1963. Manga Recommendations The actress told the paper she hoped to play roles similar to the one that she is remembered best for today. She was 69. Copyright 2023 Bidsquare Inc. All rights reserved. "Gilbert Grape" star Leonardo DiCaprio honored his on-screen mother in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon. 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. Rex/Shutterstock. It follows 24-year-old Gilbert (Depp), a grocery store clerk caring for his obese mother (Darlene Cates) and his intellectually disabled younger brother (DiCaprio) in a sleepy Iowa town.. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cates starred as Depp's mother in the film What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Paramount, 1993). Darlene Cates had been an English model who was conceived by Rita Darlene Guthrie on December 13, 1947 and died on March 26, 2017. Yeah, I love her very much and I'd love to be in touch with her. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' has died. In 2012, Cates gave an interview to the Dallas Morning News in which she expressed her hopes of acting again after a series of weight loss procedures. Darlene Cates (born Rita Darlene Guthrie; December 13, 1947 March 26, 2017) was an American actress. 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. 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 . Previous Article Updated On January 29, 2023 Updated On January 29, 2023 Updated On January 29, 2023 She was 69. Cates, best known for playing Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's housebound and overweight mother in the Peter Hedges novel-turned-movie, 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. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #johnnydepp, #johnny_depp, #johnnydeppstyle, #johnnydeppthecat, # . Darlene Cates (born Rita Darlene Guthrie; December 13, 1947 - March 26, 2017) was an American actress. Brooklyn celebrates turning 24 by heading out in Paris with wife Nicola Peltz and Nicola Peltz's fans question if 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham is REALLY over as she posts Victoria Beckham leads the sweet birthday messages for son Brooklyn's 24th as the family finally reunite in Tragedies of Everest: The adventurers forever frozen in ice after losing their lives scaling the world's 'Why the last-minute delay?' TMZ reports that Cates died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday morning. Cates was seen on a video in a 1992 episode of Sally titled "Too Loaded to Quit Their Job" by . 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. Birthday December 13, 1947. Vanderpump Rules' Tom Says Hes Hated Amid Ariana Split, Raquel Affair, Is Nicki Minaj Shading Megan Thee Stallion? Leonardo DiCaprio has paid tribute to Darlene Cates as the best acting mom I ever had following her death at the age of 69. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. 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! Cates landed the role after being spotted by the films screenwriter, Peter Hedges, while appearing on the Sally Jessy Raphael talk show, where she discussed her struggles with her weight. Darlene Cates/Cause of death. Very few actors in Hollywood history have done the next to impossible - create one iconic role, only never to be seen on the big screen again. "I was sort of skeptical, but when I started reading, Lasse threw his hands in the air and said, 'Finally! Leonardo DiCaprio is paying tribute about the death of Darlene Cates, the best onscreen mom he ever worked with. Darlene Cates, who played the morbidly obese, housebound mother in the 1993 film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died March 26 at her home in Forney, Tex. She was 69 years old. ", "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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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 Cates diedunexpectedly in her sleep on Sunday morning, her daughter Sheri wrote onFacebook. She was 69. She had one daughter, Sheri Ann, and two sons, Mark and Chris. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Expected to Skip Coronation; MANY A-List Music Icons There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Darlene Cates, an actress who starred alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. A Johnny Depp handwritten signed note to Darlene Cates. Cates married Robert Cates, a U.S. Marine, on January 11, 1963. 90 Day Fiance Stars Weve Lost Over the Years, Still Together? 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2c23cc8b2d3b2f I'm a vet, and here are five dog breeds most prone to cancer - including Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. "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. Cates went on to appear in several TV shows including Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996. She was 69. Today, though still extremely heavy at 5 ft.9 in. Darlene Cates Death Despite her significant weight loss, Cates continued to experience health issues. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 'Red Ruby Da Sleeze' Lyrics, 'Teen Mom' Alum Ryan Edwards Has a Long Criminal History: Timeline, Is Kim Zolciak-Biermann's Mansion in Foreclosure? Leonardo DiCaprio is paying tribute to one of his most formative co-stars. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? The Revenant star, who played Cates' son in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert. OtakuKart. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. She rose to prominence as the eponymous cast's bed bound mother in the 1993 picture What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I left school at 16 with six GCSEs - and became a self-made millionaire. Cates died on Sunday aged 69. 2023 FemaleFirst Ltd. all rights reserved. Cates, who is also set to star in the 2017 film 'Billboard,' died in her sleep of natural causes. Click to reveal This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The Best Celebrity Bikini Moments of 2023 So Far, Pretty Young Thing! In 2012, Cates revealed to the Dallas Morning News that she had shed 250 lbs. 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? On the show, she discussed her battle with obesity and how it had affected her life. 6, Gone Too Soon! The Oscar-winning actor worked with Cates on the 1993 film, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. Johnny Depp and Darlene . She was 69. Darlene Cates, who played DiCaprio and Johnny Depp 's mother in 1993 drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape, recently died at . The unlikely actress who landed a role alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio as the overweight, dysfunctional matriarch in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a different woman now. 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 . Cates is survived by her husband Robert and three children Sheri, Mark and Chris as well as four grandchildren. Photo via Twitter According. LOS ANGELES Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. The actor played the late actress' son in the 1993 flick, but still . After "Gilbert Grape" Cates' acting career was limited to guest turns in "Touched by an Angel," "Picket Fences" and the TV movie "Wolf Girl.". My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.. Cates, a famously amateur actress, was cast by director Lasse Hallstrom after he saw her plight - that of a woman weighing more than 400 lbs, who hadn't left her house in five years. She had one daughter, Sheri Ann, and two sons, Mark and Chris. "Darlene was heartbroken," said the source. She died on March 26, 2017. 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. Birth Sign Sagittarius. In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. 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." Weight Loss: 'I'm in a Healthy Relationship with My Body', Beverly Johnson on Having 'Full Blown Menopause' at 47: 'You're Moist in All the Wrong Places', Danny Pintauro of 'Who's the Boss?' Two years later she met Bob and lied to him about her age. By National ENQUIRER Staff Mar 28, 2017 @ 11:25AM View gallery 4 Files/Getty Share Comments Amazon.com: What's Eating Gilbert Grape : Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, Mary Kate Schellhardt . Although she dropped 100 lbs. Keen to get away from the neighbours? Inside Cheating Rumors, Their Divorce, Inside 1000-Lb. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. March 28, 2017. She's a wonderful woman, an amazing woman. Speaking to TMZ, her family revealed the movie star had . She passed away on March 26, 2017. She turned to food for comfort, causing her weight to balloon out of control. (Dancing was something she talked about loving to do "back in the day"!)' She died while she was sleeping, and that is the only thing that is known to the general public about her death. Published: 02:22 GMT, 29 March 2017 | Updated: 15:30 GMT, 29 March 2017. The Roloff Familys Bathing Suit Photos, Meet Return to Amishs Sabrinas Newborn: Cutest Photos of Baby No. All Rights Reserved. Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW. Cates later appeared in Picket Fences and Touched by an Angel episodes. 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! Watch the trailer for "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," starring Johnny Depp. He said, "I have great, very great, strong feelings for Darlene. Who Is Cole Hauser's Wife? She. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. She had a small role in the 2001 film Wolf Girl. 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. 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 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. Then, in 1986, pelvic infections caused by a Dalkon Shield worsened and kept her bedridden for two years, during which she gained 150 pounds. . Please enter email address you registered with and we will email you a link to reset your password. 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. "She was almost a little girl trapped in this body. She was 69. See Paris Jackson's Transformation Over the Years, Dixie D'Amelio Joined the Blonde Side: Photos of Her Hair Transformation, It's Over! The actress died Sunday morning in her sleep. After the seeing the show, Hedges reached out to Cates and offered her the role of Bonnie Grape. 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. 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. 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, December 13, 1947 - March 26, 2017 . and 520 lbs., she appears on talk shows and has a central role in the new movie Whats Eating Gilbert Grape?, starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis. 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. 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. The career of beloved Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp was found dead Saturday morning at the actor's Hollywood Hills mansion. Cates, feeling hopelessly sick and overweight, often found herself contemplating suicide. DEPP OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO HEAVYWEIGHT GILBERT GRAPE MUM Johnny Depp has sent a heartfelt message of encouragement to his one-time movie mother as she battles morbid obesity.Depp insisted. "I can do moms real well," Cates said. 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, known for playing the mother in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' has died. Darlene Cates, who starred as Bonnie Grape in 1993's What's Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio has died.. to 331 and hoped to get back into acting. Darlene Cates and Leonardo DiCaprio at the premiere of 1993 film Whats Eating Gilbert Grape. The actress went on to appear in a handful of film and television projects before succumbing to natural causes, she was 69. 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!' Your IP: Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Inside Cheating Rumors, Their Divorce, Inside 1000-Lb. Cates was cast in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape as morbidly obese mother, Bonnie, to Johnny Depps Gilbert. Personal life. Darlene Cates shed 250 pounds (113kg) following a series of near-death experiences.