She makes you despise how lazy and not nurturing Bonnie is, then you sympathize with her once she's mocked and apologetic towards Gilbert. … Family members say Darlene Cates, who played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's obese mom in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep Sunday morning, TMZ reports. Sheri Cates Morgan. 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 … Cates, best known for playing Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio’s housebound and overweight mother in the Peter Hedges novel-turned-movie, was 69. darlene cates weight at death - tarkablowpigmusic.com Check below for more deets about Darlene Cates. She was 69. His mother (Darlene Cates) is so overweight that she can't leave the house, and his mentally impaired younger brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), has a knack for finding trouble. Darlene Cates, the mother in ‘Gilbert Grape,’ dies Leonardo DiCaprio posts heartfelt tribute to Darlene Cates Johnny Depp Darlene Cates, mom from ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,’ dies at 69. Her son-in-law, David Morgan, said that she died in her sleep. Her brave portrayal of a woman suffering from morbid obesity is simultaneously revolting and heartbreaking. Directors. died at 69 this past Sunday. Darlene Cates, actress from