Cates died in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, according to her son-in-law, David Morgan. She was Cates was cast in the film as the morbidly obese mother of Johnny Depp, in the title role, and his younger brother, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. She had been spotted by the film's screenwriter, Peter Hedges, while appearing on the "Sally Jessy Raphael" talk show, where she discussed her struggles with her weight.
The film, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, won acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a troubled but loving family in a small Iowa town. Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Sun, 23 Feb GMT Story Infinite Scroll - News3 v1.
Weather Alert Days. Hurricane Center. Weather Blog. Weather App. We Are Austin. Game Center. Now Sun Mon Darlene Cates, the mother in 'Gilbert Grape,' dies at Cates, who played the housebound mother in the film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died at home in her sleep on Sunday morning, March 26, Stay Connected.
Like Us. Follow Us.
