Blake Garrett, the former child actor best known for his role as Plug in the family comedy How to Eat a Bug, died on February 8 in Oklahoma at the age of 33. He was found in a modest home in Tulsa. Blake was diagnosed with shingles after going to the emergency room a week ago after experiencing severe pain, his mother said.According to a summary report from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner obtained by TMZ, Garrett’s cause of death was listed as acute fentanyl intoxication and the manner of death was ruled an accident. His mother expressed concern that he may have been self-medicating to cope with pain from the viral infection, especially since he had been sober for three years before the incident. She believes his death may have been a tragic accident.
Blake Garrett’s early life and theater career
Garrett was born in Austin, Texas on September 14, 1992, and began his acting career at the age of 8, starring in local Austin theater productions. His early theater credits included playing the Magician in “Aladdin and His Magic Lamp” and Charlie Brown in “Peanuts: A Tribute to Charlie Brown.” Other theater credits include appearances in “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie” and “Grease,” demonstrating his versatility in several productions during his childhood.
Blake Garrett established his career early in theater productions and later gained recognition in films. Image source (Instagram)
Blake Garrett’s Filmography
Garrett is best known for his film appearance in the 2006 children’s comedy How to Eat Worms, in which he played the character “The Plug.” His performance as an ensemble cast earned him recognition, and the following year he received a Young Artist Award and won the Young Ensemble Award for Best Feature Film. Written and directed by Bob Dorman, the film is based on Thomas Rockwell’s 1973 children’s book of the same name and stars James Rebhorn, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Tom Cavanagh.
Blake Garrett’s Touring and Other Acting Works
At the age of 10, Garrett participated in the stage show “Barney’s World of Color International Tour” from 2003 to 2004, where he played the role of Mike. He reprized the role in the subsequent making-of film, extending his acting experience from traditional theater and film to live touring entertainment.
