During his long career, Nabors also appeared in shows like The Love Boat, Knight Rider and The Carol Burnett Show, and was a pop culture personality on various variety comedy shows. Actress Darlene Cates has died aged 69. The Japanese actor, best known for portraying the original Godzilla, died on Aug. 7. He was 88. The actress and renowned acting teacher died on Sept. 2. His other TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, Cold Case, Boston Legal, Hung and, most recently, a recurring role on Ray Donovan. The band has shows booked through the spring; Trucks played his last show on Jan. 6. The actor and stand-up comic died from Alzheimer's-related complications at his home in Bell Canyon, California, on Sept. 1. He was 89. He was 87. I dont have to delve very deep to find Mom in there.. He was 91. The look of love! He was 64. He was 89. Legendary stand-up comedian and actor best known as an insult comic, Rickles died Apr. Campbell was 81. Buttner hosted the business analysis talk show. Pallenberg was considered a style icon of the '60s and '70s and was famously considered a muse for The Rolling Stones. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. 19 after a long battle with brain cancer at 68-years-old. Oscar-winning film and television actor Martin Landau, The actor and author died on July 4 in Atlanta, Georgia. ), READ MORE: Stephen Colbert mocks Donald Trumps Bureau of Obvious Nepotism, It reads: Im not really the best in expressing my words in writing but you are the most special person I have ever met. Cates is pictured alongside (L-R) Leonardo DiCaprio, Laura Harrington, Johnny Depp and Kate Schellhardt. Lassally's last credit as a cinematographer came in 2001 for the film Crescent Heart. Kim Kardashian brings Playboy sex appeal in jaw-dropping pearl dress as she 'I saw him die': Sister of father 'crushed to death' in indoor cave says she is 'traumatised' by the tragedy King Charles' Coronation LIVE: Princess Anne says the monarch has been 'practising for years', poll reveals 'Devil's Disciple' serial killer, 70, who was jailed for killing three people and admitting to eight murders Dr Martin Scurr: Why have I always had a runny nose for 30 years - and what can I do to make it stop? Lassally is celebrated for his storied body of work and was responsible for filming a myriad of beloved Hollywood classics including 1962's Electra, 1963's Tom Jones and 1964's Zorba the Greek, which earned him an Academy Award. The film Gilbert Grape, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, won acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a troubled but loving family in a small Iowa town. (Dancing was something she talked about loving to do "back in the day"!)'. He was 41. After "Gilbert Grape" Cates' acting career was limited to guest turns in "Touched by an Angel," "Picket Fences" and the TV movie "Wolf Girl.". Rance's acting career spanned more than six decades. She was 86. Cancelled? According to a statement from her family, as He also acted in several of Ron's films, including Splash, Cocoon, Parenthood and Apollo 13, as well as Ron's feature film directorial debut, Grand Theft Auto. Please keep Pat in your thoughts and prayers," the statement read. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. It doesnt matter anymore. 3. Warden was best known for managing country icon Dolly Parton and playing guitar as a founding member of the Porter Wagner Trio. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Vincent and their three children. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Cates sister, Sheri Cates Morgan, posted the sad news to Facebook. Philip Reitnour, who appeared on Shark Tank in 2014 to pitch his app EmergenSee, has been found dead inPhiladelphiasSchuylkill river at the age of 58. Briscoe is best known for his performances in Parks and Recreation -- where he played J.J., the owner and proprietor of the town's favorite diner -- and the recent Twin Peaks revival, in which he played Detective Dave Macklay. He was 35. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease late in 2010. Nabors was best known for playing the character Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s, as well as on the spin-off series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. [people] were staring at me because Im fat or because they recognize me, she said. She was 66. Janelle Mone leads the worst-dressed list at the 2023 Met Gala in BIZARRE nearly-naked frock Boots and booty! She will appear in upcoming film comedy Billboard, which is currently in post-production. "Darlene was the best acting mom I ever had the privilege of working alongside," DiCaprio wrote. She was 93. Cates died in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas. We love & miss U Dad." The rock music icon died on Oct. 2 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, California. She was 80. Atkin was best known for playing Morty Melnick, the summer camp director in the classic 1979 comedy, Martin Landau He was in his early 90s. Halladay is survived by his wife, Brandy, and their two sons. Leonardo expressed his deep condolences as he was very close to his co actor and considered her a mother. Lets Find Out, Sonny Bargers Net Worth, Biography, Career, Personal Life. YOU'VE REACHED YOUR MONTHLY ARTICLE LIMIT. Robert Guillaume, a two-time Emmy winner for his character Benson DuBois on "Soap" and the spinoff "Benson," as well as the voice of Rafiki in "The Lion King," died after a battle with prostate cancer on Oct. 24. Country music star Mel Tillis, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, died of suspected respiratory failure on Nov. 19. A depression-era farm boy, his passion for acting changed the course of our family history. No cause of death has yet been released. He was 62. Walter Becker, co-founding guitarist of the jazz rock band Steely Dan, died Sep. 3 at age 67. John Ashbery, the acclaimed Pulitzer-winning American poet who challenged readers with musical verses that often defied easy understanding, died Sep. 3 at age 90. The role earned Hillerman a Golden Globe and an Emmy. She was 68. Hefner started the iconic magazine in 1953 -- in part with a $1,000 loan from his mother -- and went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of the 20th century. The pioneering Rockabilly singer and guitarist died on Aug. 18, at Baptist Health Medical Center, in Little Rock, Arkansas. '"A thrilled Cates, who tips the scales at 500 pounds (227 kilograms), admits the message has given her new hope. 26 peacefully in her sleep at the age of 69. Wetton is survived by his wife Lisa and son Dylan. Born and raised in Texas, Cates started overeating after her parents divorced when she was 12, which lead to her becoming obese. 26 March 2017. WebDarlene Cates was born on December 13, 1947 (age 69) in Borger, Texas, United States. Darlene Cates, who starred as Bonnie Grape in 1993s Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on Sunday morning, her family told TMZ. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Television executive Don Ohlmeyer, who coined the phrase Must See TV in the 1990s, died Sep. 10, NBCs Sunday Night Football play-by-play man Al Michaels announced during tonights telecast. The prolific artist recorded over 1,000 songs and released over 60 albums throughout his career, which spanned six decades. He was 82. She was 69. Stanton was best known for his roles in the 1979 horror masterpiece Alien, the HBO series Big Love, John Hughes' iconic Pretty in Pink, and the cult classics Escape From New York and Repo Man. The Brooklyn-born performer was best known for roles on TV shows such as Law and Order: SVU, The West Wing, Sex and the City, and 30 Rock. 6at the age of 84. Tags: Actress American Born in 1947 Died in 2017. However, his connection to George R. R. Martin's GoT universe runs much deeper. Charles Henry Mosley III, a former singer for the band Faith No More, died "due to the disease of addiction" on Nov. 10. In 1997, Cotton's album. Songwriter and producer Paul O'Neill, best known for founding the prog-metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra, died on April 5 after battling a chronic illness. The rock and roll pioneer died on Oct. 24, at his home in Harvey, Louisiana. A rep for the actor told ET, "We are completely devastated, for he was an extremely talented young actor and a caring human being. The actor and former NFL wide receiver died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Sep. 19, after a brief illness. He was best known for his role as the giant called Mag the Mighty on "Game of Thrones" and was Europe's tallest man. She was 65. The famed comic book artist known for co-creating the DC comic book monster Swamp Thing died Mar. 'He's been dead for 130 years and can still satisfy the ladies': Social media goes wild over mystery woman Scientists discover what happens seconds before you die - activity in the brain and heart RAMPS UP, Trendy hard floors could be to blame for your foot pain (and there is a simple way to stop it). Darlenes death was announced by her daughter. Ed Sheeran tells NYC court he'll QUIT music if he's found guilty Could a hormone spray reignite your love life? Ms. Catess character is suffering from depression after the suicide of her husband. Peter Hedges, the films screenwriter, had spotted her on the Sally Jessy Raphael talk show in 1992 discussing her struggles with her weight. natural causes. Eventually, pelvic infections caused by her obesity caused her to be bedridden for two years. It was a standout performance by Cates, who went on to appear in shows like Picket Fences and Touched by an Angel. She is also set to star in the new movie Billboard, which is currently in post-production. They were later inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Europe's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was 69. A Broadway star and a beloved cabaret and concert performer, died at the age of 89 from respiratory failure on Aug. 8. The Oscar winning director of "The Silence of the Lambs" died Apr. The group was enjoying their 55th anniversary this year, and put out a new collaborative album with The Barenaked Ladies. Hurt had been battlingpancreatic cancer since 2015. No doubt, Darlene had faced a tough time during her weight loss journey. Guillaume is also celebrated for playing Isaac Jaffe on Sports Night and voicing the beloved Rafiki in the Disney animated classicThe Lion King, a role which ultimately landed him a GRAMMY for a spoken word recording. Her other credits include TV episodes on "Picket Fences" and "Touched by an Angel," and the TV movie "Wolf Girl." Cates, best known for playing Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprios housebound and overweight mother in the Peter Hedges novel-turned-movie, was 69. Darlene Cates Death Unfortunately, even after losing that much weight, Cates had health issues. Jordan Feldstein, the manager of Maroon 5 and other music stars, died Dec. 23 of an apparent heart attack at age 40. Tuchman, who worked on more than 30 films over the course of his career, is survived by his girlfriend, Jackie Tepper, as well as his father, Marcel Tuchman, and younger brother, Peter. He was 96. She was 69. His age and cause of death were not disclosed. Wrightson is best known for co-creating DC Comics', The legendary blues harmonica master died of pneumonia on March 16, at a medical facility in Austin, Texas. The soul singer and actor was found dead in his car in Woodland Hills, California, on April 20. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Many of Petty's classic tunes -- including "American Girl," "Free Fallin'," "I Won't Back Down" and "Last Dance With Mary Jane" have become mainstays of classic rock radio stations and left an indelible mark on American pop culture. Vincent famously worked with Martin Scorsese on some of his most iconic gangster films, including Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino, and his most prominent role came playing mob boss Phil Leotardo on the hit HBO series, The Sopranos. Austin is best known for founding the iconic improv group and school The Groundlings in 1974, which subsequently launched the careers of scores of comedians and comic actors, including Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Kristin Wiig, Conan O'Brien and countless others. She also earned critical acclaim for her role as an abusive foster mother in 2002's Antwone Fisher. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. So, how much is Darlene Cates worth at the age of 70 years old? He is survived by two children, a niece and two granddaughters. Darlene Cates, mom from Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, dies at 69. The group broke up and re-formed three times over the next couple of decades, after which Trucks formed a new group, Butch Trucks and the Freight Train Band. Rance Howard, an actor who appeared in 15 films directed by his son Ron Howard, died on Nov. 26. David Cassidy, the star of "The Partridge Family" and a teen heartthrob from the '70s, died on Nov. 21 after being placed into a medically-induced coma. LOS ANGELES Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," has died. In the role of Bonnie Grape, the actress said she was able to connect to the story of an obese woman, trapped inside her own home due to her condition. The "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" mom died Mar. 'bitter-sweet': Cates' daughter Sheri wrote a touching message on Facebook announcing her passing, Screenwriter Peter Hedges discovered Cates when she appeared on a talk show and asked her to play the morbidly obese mother of Gilbert (Johnny Depp) and Leonardo Caprio's character Arnie Grape (pictured). I didnt say anything for a long time so long, as a matter of fact, that she began to think I wasnt interested at all, which I set her straight real quick, she said. Heather Menzies-Urich, the actress best known for playing the second-oldest Von Trapp daughter Louisa in the Oscar-winning musical film The Sound of Music, died Dec. 24 at age 68. Majority of British public think Charles should not apologise for slavery, new poll shows, Even most republicans see no benefit in abolishing the monarchy, new poll reveals. The celebrated entrepreneur founded the legendary arcade company in 1955, and under his leadership it went on to create some of the most iconic games in history, including, The Tony-nominated actor -- best known for his role as Hymie the Robot on the popular 1960s sitcom. The Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie died Oct. 17 at age 53 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in May. He was 67. Cates leaves behind one daughter, two sons and four grandchildren. The epic demonstrations marked the very first time any pitcher has ever thrown both a perfect game and a no-hitter in the same season. Smith's New York City-based gossip column -- which gave readers a coveted insight into the lives of America's rich and famous -- was, at its height of popularity, syndicated in nearly 75 newspapers internationally and had a readership of almost 50 million people daily. Newhouse Jr., who ran the Conde Nast publishing empire that included magazine giants such as Vanity Fair, Vogue and The New Yorker, died Oct. 1 at the age of 89. He was also celebrated for bringing the X-Men back from the brink of non-existence when he wrote "Giant Size X-Men #1"in 1975, which was the first X-Men story penned in over five years. He was 89. Darlene Cates, actress who played Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio's mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died March 26 at 69. She was 55. Bologna and Taylor were frequent collaborators on various theater and film projects over the course of their long relationship, and the pair even earned an Oscar nomination in 1971 for their screenplay for. Darlene married US Marine Robert Cates in 1963. Darlene Cates, who starred as the housebound mother in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape has died. NBA legend Connie The Hawk Hawkins, known for being a power forward known for his massive hands, scoop shots and football-like passes, died Oct. 6 at age 75. North was the longtime voice of Daphne Blake on the TV showScooby-Dooand played Sandy Horton on Days of Our Lives. The veteran actor died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Sep. 15. He was 37. Burgess reunited with his fellow bandmates in the '90s and toured the world throughout the decade. He is survived by his father, Carl, brother Kent and sister Shelley West. She is survived by her son, Kevin, daughter-in-law Stephanie, stepdaughter Nina, stepson Wes, and granddaughter Jocelyn. She died unexpectedly in her sleep on Sunday morning. Berman appeared in several episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he played Larry David's father, Nat David, which also earned him an Emmy nomination in 2008. ET on Friday, March 31, on Facebook Live. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.". He was 91. He was the frontman of one of Canadas most iconic bands, a rock star, artist, and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country." In addition to Shiloh, Heron appeared in numerous TV shows, as well as the 2002 filmWe Were Soldiers. 26. Bologna's wife, actress Renee Taylor, confirmed the news to ET, sharing, "He lived great and he died great and he had a very peaceful passing." The group, which has been active since 1980, is best known for their songs "Blood and Roses" and "A Girl Like You.". The famed music documentarian died of kidney failure on Sept. 3 in New York City. Cates daughter Sheri Cates Morgan shared the news last night on Facebook, writing: 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., Also Read: Leonardo DiCaprio Remembers 'Gilbert Grape' Co-Star Darlene Cates as His 'Best Acting Mom', Darlene Cateswas discovered by Gilbert Grape screenwriter Peter Hedges, who saw her on the Sally Jessy Raphael show. Her son-in-law, David Morgan, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. He was 77. Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Low became friends with Robert De Niro, who was a tenant in one of his buildings, and the acclaimed star helped him with his acting career. She was 59-years-old. Prior to writing the novel, Blatty specialized in comedy throughout the '60s, lending his talents to a number of feature films, including The Great Bank Robbery, The Pink Panther sequel, A Shot in the Dark, Promise Her Anything and What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? Nakajima was the man inside the Godzilla body suit when the iconic monster made his debut appearance in the original 1954 film. He was inducted into the WWF (now WWE) Hall of Fame in 1996 and was also the first WrestleMania opponent of The Undertaker. The actress was allegedly discovered by "Gilbert Grape" author and screenwriter Peter Hedges after she appeared on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael's talk show titled "Too Heavy to Leave Their House." The Emmy-winning character actor,who had memorable stints on "Deadwood," "24," and "Nashville," died in his sleep of natural causes at age 68 on May 14. The legendary book editor -- best known for discovering iconic chef Julia Child -- died at her home in Walden, Vermont, on Aug. 2 as a result of complications from Alzheimer's. You triumphed in your role.. Kemp appeared in a number of films and TV shows during her career, including the film He Knows You're Alone and the TV show Love of Life. ET on Friday, March 31, on Facebook Live. The TV host made his debut with Let's Make a Deal in 1963 and remained involved in the game show throughout the years, as owner of the show and occasional guest, after Wayne Brady took over as host in 2009. Tony Raines: Madison Channing Walls Ex Jealous of Javi Marroquin? He was also honored with the International Achievement Award by the American Society of Cinematographers in 2008. Charles Manson, the con man, cult leader and criminal who led the Manson Family murders in the '60s, died on Nov. 19. The film won DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 19. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. The founder and CEO of music and culture website WorldStarHipHop, Lee O'Denat, died on Jan. 23 in his sleep at the age of 43, according to TMZ. and I Love My Wife, and on Broadway in The Girl in the Freudian Slip. After seeing Cates tearful pleas on the talk show, Hedges offered her a role in the upcoming film, Gilbert Grape. The French songstress died while performing on stage during a concert at a church in the French village of Goudron on July 19. Gustav Ahr, a rising rap star who performed under the name Lil Peep after releasing his first full album in August, died of a suspected overdose at the age of 21. A cause of death was not immediately made available. Bob Givens, a veteran animator who helped design such classic characters as Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, died Dec. 14 at age 99. Halladay's career spanned 15 years, during which time he pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays -- from 1998 to 2009 -- and then for the Philadelphia Phillies until his retirement in 2013. After it aired, she suffered pelvic infections that kept her bedridden for two years and caused her to gain an extra 149 pounds. Mike Aktari, who appeared on Style Network's, Country music legend Don Warden died on March 11. Her daughter, Sheri, took to Facebook to share the news, writing, We take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is in the arms of our Heavenly Father.. Austin, who was celebrated as an acting teacher and sketch comedy director, is survived by his wife, Wendy MacKenzie, and his daughter, Audrey Moore. Cates managed to lose approximately 240 poundsby 2012, after she went through multiple health issues in 2010. 2 references title 'Whats Eating Gilbert Grape' Mother Darlene Cates Dies at 69 (English) stated in. Malcolm Young, one of the founding guitarists of rock band AC/DC, diedon Nov. 18 after battling dementia. He will be dearly missed by so many." LaMotta is survived by his fiancee, Denise Baker, and by four daughters, Jacklyn, Christi, Elisa and Mia. She is survived by her sister Roanne and brother Carl. He was 86. Hale is best known for her work on the long-running legal drama series, The British actor, perhaps best known for his acclaimed role as John Merrick in David Lynch's, Actor Mike Connors, best known for playing detective Joe Mannix on the long-running CBS crime drama, The iconic TV actress died in Greenwich, Connecticut, of cardiopulmonary arrest after contracting pneumonia, on Jan. 25, Moore's rep confirmed to ET. Newhouse took charge of the magazine arm of the company, known as Conde Nast, and through his leadership and savvy developed the company's publications -- which include The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Pitchfork, Glamour, Wired and W, to name a few -- into some of the most popular in the world. Musically, the singer-actor went on to release songs like "I Think I Love You" and "Cherish," creating "Cassidymania" as he toured the globe with sold-out concerts. Her son in law informed that she had died in her sleep at the age of 69. Danielle Darrieux, the French actress whose career on screen and stage spanned eight decades and was known for "8 Women," died at the age of 100 on Oct. 19. On social media, tributes have been pouring in for a woman who never let her setbacks get in the way of her dreams. Axelrod's last studio album, a self-titled EP, was released in 2001. He was 89. died on Nov. 19, at her home in Encino, California, after crashing his plane into the Gulf of Mexico, committed suicide at his Park La Brea apartment complex in Los Angeles. It's better to have a little sugar than any sweetener at all, says Gut Health Guru Dr Megan Rossi. Hampton was rushed to the Emory University Hospital where he died shortly after. She has had two very close friends die of complications from weight-loss surgery. Don't miss a beat. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. '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,' her daughter Sheri wrote on Facebook. She was 77. Airbnb, PSAC deal: What the tentative agreement says about remote work, U.S. ending COVID-19 vaccine mandates for travellers, federal workers, Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dead at 84, Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot dies, Met Gala 2023: Karl Lagerfelds legacy celebrated by Metropolitan Museum of Art, PSAC strike: Treasury Board says it wasnt easy to reach deal with union to end job action, A Black Queen Cleopatra? Lewis had five sons and adopted another child with his first wife, Patti Palmer. Knight became known in the fashion world after placing fourth during season three of Project Runway in 2006. Della Reese, a jazz and pop singer who also starred on "Touched by an Angel," died on Nov. 19. "(Dancing was something she talked about loving to do 'back in the day'!)". Ill always remember you as the best acting mamma I ever had. Pallenberg and Richards shared three children, Marlon, Angela and Tara, however Tara died of SIDS when he was 10 weeks old. Nakamura's death was announced one week later on Namco's website. The Oscar-winning director revealed the news of his father's death with a heartfelt tribute he posted to Twitter, writing, "Clint & I have been blessed to be Rance Howards sons He stood especially tall 4 his ability to balance ambition w/great personal integrity. The leader singer of the Heartbreakers and a successful solo artist, known for hits like Free Fallin' and Learning to Fly, died at age 66 on Oct. 2 after being found unconscious in his Malibu home the previous night. Wein was famous for co-creating the Marvel superhero Wolverine -- who went on to become one of the company's most beloved characters -- as well as DC's Swamp Thing. She weighed just over 400 pounds at the time. The actor, best known for playing Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter film franchise, died Aug. 3 at the age of 91. Glenn played in the NFL for 12 seasons, beginning in 1996 when he was drafted by the New England Patriots. She was 69. He was 56. He was 66. According to a family friend who spoke with CNN, Ailes fell at his home in Palm Beach, Florida last week, suffered complications, and slipped into a coma. Charlotte is daddy's double! He was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in September 2013. He was 45. Aside from his sons, he is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their two other children, son Tommy and daughter April. Cates appeared in a few episodes of TV post-Grape, including shows Touched By an Angel and Picket Fences. We have estimated Darlene Cates's net worth , money, salary, income, and assets. Darlene Cates, who played the morbidly obese housebound mother in the acclaimed 1993 film Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, died on Sunday at her home in Forney, Tex. The beloved gossip columnist, known as the Grand Dame of Dish, died at her home in Manhattan on Nov. 12. The comments below have been moderated in advance. A look back at some of the notable people we've lost this year. 0 references. He was 88. Paul Horner, a writer of fake news who claimed to influence the 2016 election with his widely discredited stories, was found dead outside Phoenix on Sep. 18 at the age of 38. Her first-ever role, Cates was widely acclaimed for her performance, garnering praise from co-stars DiCaprio and Depp. "We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend, and uncle. He was 59. He released 14 albums over the course of his career, and continued touring and connecting with fans. She was 94. Moore rose to fame starring as Dick Van Dyke's wife, Laura, on. Cates is best known for her powerhouse performance as the mother of Johnny Depp's character in the 1993 drama, The iconic TV producer and game show host died on Mar. She weighed more than 500 pounds and said she was struggling with suicidal thoughts at the time she appeared on a segment called Too Heavy to Leave the House., She later told the Dallas Morning News that her TV appearance had a liberating effect.