Leonardo DiCaprio Pays Tribute to Darlene Cates: Read His Statement

Leonardo DiCaprio is here to say goodbye to Darlene Cates.

The veteran actor, who got his huge break on the big screen in 1993 when he played Cates’ son in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, took to Facebook on Tuesday and paid tribute to Cates.

The long-time actress died this week at the age of 69.

“Darlene was the best acting mom I ever had the privilege of working alongside,” DiCaprio wrote, adding of the actress:

“Her endearing personality and incredible talent will live on in the memories of those who knew her, and those who loved her work.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”

Cates died on Sunday morning in her sleep. Her sister, Sheri Cates Morgan, shared the sad news on social media.

“It is with a bitter-sweet heart that we share that our precious wife, mother, and Gaga, Darlene Guthrie Cates, was called Home, somewhat unexpectedly, peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, March 26th,” Morgan wrote.

Best known for portraying Johnny Depp and DiCaprio‘s overweight, housebound mother in the memorable film, Cates was discovered by Gilbert Grape author and screenwriter Peter Hedges.

He saw a tape of the actress on a 1985 episode of Sally Jessy Raphael titled “Too Heavy to Leave Their House.”

On the talk show at the time, Cates opened up about her battle with obesity and the pelvic infection that caused her to gain nearly 150 pounds.

Here’s a look at her on set with two actors who would go on to become A-Listers in Hollywood:

“I can do moms real well. I don’t have to delve very deep to find Mom in there,” the Texas native told The Dallas Morning News at one point in an interview about her acting.

Only 19 at the time the movie was released, DiCaprio earned his first Oscar nomination for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

He later wrote Cates a note in praise of her on-screen ability.

“I’m not really the best in expressing my words in writing but you are the most special person I have ever [met],” he said back in the day, adding:

“I’ll always remember you as the best acting mamma I ever had. You triumphed in your role.”

Following many years of health struggles, Cates lost 250 pounds and tried to get back into acting awhile back.

She went on to appear in such TV shows as Picket Fences in 1994 and Touched by an Angel in 1996 and also had a small role in the 2001 film Wolf Girl.

May she rest in peace.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam

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Darlene Cates Dies; What"s Eating Gilbert Grape Actress Was 69

Darlene Cates, the actress best known for her unforgettable performance in the 1993 indie classic What’s Eating Gilbert Grape has passed away.

She was 69 years old.

According to a statement from her family, Cates died peacefully in her sleep.

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Though she racked up several film and television credits between 1993 and 2001, Cates never set out to be an actress.

She was discovered by Gilbert Grape screenwriter Peter Hedges during an appearance on a 1985 episode of The Sally Jessie Raphael Show.

The episode, entitled “Too Heavy to Leave the House”, centered around Darlene and several other guests who were unable to perform the tasks of daily life due to severe obesity.

On the show, Darlene discussed her lifelong battle with obesity.

After it aired, she suffered pelvic infections that kept her bedridden for two years and caused her to gain an extra 149 pounds.

Darlene underwent a gastroplasty procedure in 1981, when she weighed just over 400 pounds.

But despite medical intervention, the weight she lost seemed to always come back, and she eventually topped out at nearly 550 pounds.

Cates served as an aspirational figure for people suffering with disabilities, as she lived a full life despite her constant health problems.

Darlene married US Marine Robert Cates in 1963.

The couple went on to have three children together.

Despite being bed-ridden throughout much of her life, Cates attained her high school degree via correspondence in 1992.

One year later, Hollywood unexpectedly came calling.

Her acclaimed work in Gilbert Grape – a surprise hit in which she co-starred with Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio – caught the attention of casting directors, and Cates became an in-demand character actress.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2017: In Memoriam

She appeared in such popular TV series as Touched By An Angel and Picket Fences.

The director of 2001’s Wolf Girl wanted to work with Cates so badly that he and his crew traveled from Romania to Texas to shoot scenes in her home.

Cates is survived by her kids and four grandchildren.

On social media, tributes have been pouring in for a woman who never let her setbacks get in the way of her dreams.

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"Gilbert Grape" Star Darlene Cates Dead at 69

Darlene Cates, who played the Gilbert’s mom in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” has died. We’re told Darlene died Sunday morning in her sleep … this according to family. She was discovered by the screenwriter of the movie, Peter Hedges, after seeing…

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