What’s Eating Gilbert Grape Star Darlene Cates Loses 250 Pounds!
Aug. 9 2012, Published 7:00 a.m. ET
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape star Darlene Cates is best remembered for her larger than life role as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp’s mom Bonnie in the hit movie.
But the 64-year-old hasn’t been eating that much herself of late as she reveals her 250-pound weight loss, going from 575 pounds to 331 pounds.
But Cates says she isn’t finished with her weight loss journey and wants to lose 100 pounds more so she can get back on screen.
Since the release of the cult film in 1993, Cates has only been in a handful of television roles and has battled depression, but she told Dallas Morning News that she is ready to get her career back on track.
“I can do moms real well. I don’t have to delve very deep to find Mom in there,” the mother-of-three said wistfully.
Although her starring role in the heartwarming drama was nearly two decades ago, Cates still treasures a note she received from DiCaprio, who won his first Oscar nomination for his role as Arnie Grape.
“I’m not really the best in expressing my words in writing but you are the most special person I have ever met,” the then 19-year-old penned. “I’ll always remember you as the best acting mamma I ever had. You triumphed in your role.”
Cates is mainly housebound and has battled numerous health issues over the years, including an 11-month stay in the hospital last year where she underwent four surgeries.
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But she says whether it’s a comedy or science fiction film she is offered she just wants to be respected.
“I refuse to be the joke,” she said. “The fat woman joke in any movie and I’ve turned down roles that wanted me to be.”
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