Darlene Cates
About
Biography
Family & Companions
Biography
Rotund character player, who made her feature acting debut as the 500 pound couch-bound mother of a dysfunctional family in Lasse Hallstrom's "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993). Cates came to acting after screenwriter Peter Hedges (who also wrote the novel on which the film is based), saw her appearance on an episode of "Sally Jessy Raphael" on extremely overweight people. Cates brought a natural charm and warmth to the role that could have otherwise been merely grotesque. She received warm notices from critics and went on to make occasional guest appearances on TV in shows like "Picket Fences" and "Touched By an Angel."
Life Events
1963
Moved to Tustin, California after marriage
1964
When husband, who was still in the Marines, was assigned to a post in Japan, moved back to Texas
1976
Finally settled in Mesquite, Texas after husband left the military
1984
Underwent surgical procedure of having stomach stapled in effort to lose excess weight
1986
Remained bedridden for two years due to a pelvic infection caused by a Dalkon Shield
1991
Emerged from her house after five years in reclusion to appear on a "Sally Jessy Raphael Show" segment about extremely overweight people
1993
Feature acting debut, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", playing Gilbert's mother
1994
Guest starred on an episode of "Picket Fences" (CBS)
Family
Companions
