Tulsa, Oklahoma — Blake Garrett, an actor best remembered for his childhood role in the family comedy “How to Eat Fried Worms,” has died at the age of 33. His mother confirmed his passing on Sunday at his home in Tulsa.
Carol Garrett, his mother, expressed to the media that an autopsy was forthcoming to ascertain the exact cause of her son’s unexpected death. She shared concerns that Blake might have inadvertently taken medication to manage severe pain following a recent shingles diagnosis he received after a visit to an emergency room.
Blake Garrett began his journey in the entertainment industry at a tender age, showing a flair for performance by the age of eight in Austin, Texas, his place of birth. His early acting engagements included lead roles in various theatrical productions such as “Aladdin and His Magical Lamp” and “Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute.”
His acting career escalated when he joined the “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour” as Mike, a role that saw him travel around the globe for 18 months. This tour also led to his appearance in a related video release, which further cemented his presence in children’s entertainment.
The pinnacle of Garrett’s acting career came in 2006 with his role as Plug in “How to Eat Fried Worms,” a film adapted from Thomas Rockwell’s popular 1973 book. Working alongside notable actors like Tom Cavanagh and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Garrett found the filming process rewarding. At just 13, he described the on-set atmosphere as collaborative and friendly, even as he portrayed the antagonist’s sidekick.
Garrett’s contributions to the film were not unnoticed, as he and his young co-stars were awarded the Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film in 2007. Despite the promising start, Garrett’s acting pursuits waned after a brief appearance in the pilot episode of NBC’s “Inconceivable” and a role in “Little Flower.”
In recent years, Garrett had redirected his energies back in Tulsa, experiencing a positive shift following his achievement of sobriety. His mother fondly recalled his recent years as fulfilling and content.
Throughout his tours as a child actor, Garrett’s distinctively pale blonde hair often drew the curiosity and wonder of children in various countries, illustrating the broad impact of his early career on audiences worldwide, beyond just his roles on screen.
Shingles, the final illness he battled, is a viral infection known to revive in the body of anyone who has previously had chickenpox. While typically painful, it is rarely fatal, causing fewer than 100 deaths annually in the U.S. according to health officials, predominantly among the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
Blake is survived by his devoted mother, a younger brother, and their family pets. His early passing marked the end of a life that had once captivated television and film audiences, particularly among young viewers, with his vibrant characters and performances.