Darlene Cates, best known for playing the housebound mother Bonnie in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday, March 26. The Apocalypse Music Quiz; Birthdays and Anniversaries. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Forney, Texas. The actress was best known for her role in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Darlene Cates, actress from ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,’ dies at 69 (1993) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” has died. Considering this, who dies in What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. What happened to Gilbert Grape's father? Cates died in her sleep at age 69 on March 26, 2017. … “Darlene was heartbroken,” said the source. Directors. Darlene Cates, who starred in the critically acclaimed 1993 film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” died on Sunday at her home in Forney, Texas. Entertainment; Celebrity Life; What’s Eating Gilbert Grape star, Darlene Cates, who played Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp’s mum, dies. Darlene Cates, who starred with Johnny Depp in What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) is a small-town young man with a lot of responsibility. Death. Her brave portrayal of a woman suffering from morbid obesity is simultaneously revolting and heartbreaking.