Beloved Former Child Actor Passes Away at Just 33

The entertainment community is mourning the loss of former child star Blake Garrett, who passed away on Sunday, February 8, at the age of 33. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ, noting that the family is still waiting for official autopsy results to understand exactly what happened.

Blake had been building a stable and positive life for himself in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the last few years, making his sudden passing a devastating shock to those who knew him. According to his mother, Blake’s health took a sharp turn last week when he visited an emergency room in Oklahoma, suffering from severe physical pain.

Doctors diagnosed him with shingles, a painful viral infection that can cause intense discomfort. Carol mentioned that Blake may have attempted to manage the overwhelming pain through self-medication, and she fears his death was the result of a tragic accident. This is particularly painful for the family as Blake had worked hard to maintain his sobriety and had been doing well for the past three years.

Blake first captured the hearts of audiences as a young boy in Austin, Texas, where his acting career began with local stage productions. His natural talent was evident early on, leading him to land roles in plays like Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and a special tribute to Charlie Brown.

By the time he was ten, he was already an international performer, traveling the world as part of the massive arena production Barney’s Colorful World. His most recognizable role came in 2006 when he starred as Plug in the beloved children’s comedy How to Eat Fried Worms.

The film, which followed a group of kids navigating school bets and gross-out challenges, was a hit with young viewers and helped Blake and his co-stars win a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast. Although he eventually moved away from the Hollywood spotlight, fans of the mid-2000s classic still remember his performance as a standout part of their childhood movie marathons.

In the years following his early acting success, Blake transitioned into a more private life outside of the film industry. He was known to be an avid sports fan during his youth, showing a strong interest in football and wrestling while attending school in Oklahoma. Friends and family describe him as a resilient individual who took great pride in his journey toward a healthier lifestyle in Tulsa.

He spent much of his time there focused on his personal growth and stayed close to his mother and younger brother. While he did not have any upcoming film or television projects in the works, Blake’s legacy remains tied to the joy he brought to audiences during the height of the family-film era.

As his family prepares for a private memorial service in Oklahoma, many of his former co-stars and fans have taken to social media to share their condolences. They remember him as a talented kid with a bright smile who was always a pleasure to have on a movie set.

What is your favorite memory of Blake Garrett’s performance in the 2000s classic film, and how do you think we can better support former child stars as they navigate adult life? Share your thoughts in the comments.