Rest in peace, Darlene Cates.

The actress who played Gilbert’s mother in the 1993 film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" died in her sleep Sunday. She was 69 years old.

Cates was reportedly discovered when she appeared on an episode of “Sally Jessy Raphael.” The show was titled “Too Heavy to Leave Their House.”

On the episode, Cates opened up about her obesity and the pelvic infection that made her gain about 150 pounds. The screenwriter of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” Peter Hedges, saw her on the show and decided to cast her in the role.

She later became one of the most iconic characters from the film.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com