Darlene Cates Dead At 69

TMZ is reporting that actress Darlene Cates has died at the age of 69. Cates was an unlikely Hollywood star who became well-known for her role playing Mamma Grape in the 1993 film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”

Cates played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio’s obese mother in the classic film. She was cast in the role after the screenwriter saw her on Sally Jessy Raphael’s episode “Too Heavy to Leave Their House.”

Cates pulled on a lot of heartstrings as she challenged audiences to think about how society treats and judges obese people.

You can see some of her best clips from the movie in the video below.

Like Mamma Grape, Darlene Cates passed away in her sleep. Her family, friends, and castmates could use our prayers.

Share this if you are praying for the family of Darlene Cates!

H/T: TMZ