Fans Mourn Former Child Actor Who Passed Away at Just 33

Fans and the entertainment community are mourning the loss of Blake Garrett, a former child actor who passed away on Sunday, February 8, at the age of 33. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed the sad news to TMZ and shared that the family is still waiting for official autopsy results to understand the exact circumstances.

Blake had been living a quieter life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in recent years, making his sudden passing especially hard for those who knew him. According to his mother, he had visited an emergency room last week for severe pain and was diagnosed with shingles.

“He may have tried to handle the pain on his own, and we’re worried it caused a tragic accident,” she said. Blake had been sober for three years and was focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Blake began performing at a young age in Austin, Texas, taking part in local theater productions where his talent quickly became evident. He appeared in productions like Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and a special tribute to Charlie Brown. By the age of ten, he was traveling internationally with the arena show Barney’s Colorful World, performing for audiences around the world.

His breakout screen role came in 2006 when he starred as Plug in the family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms. The movie followed a group of kids competing in school bets and silly challenges, and it became a favorite for children of that era.

Blake and his co-stars earned a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast, making the film a standout memory for fans of early-2000s family movies. After leaving Hollywood, Blake focused on building a normal life away from the cameras. Friends and family describe him as strong and resilient, proud of the progress he has made in Tulsa.

He was passionate about sports as a kid, especially football and wrestling, and remained close with his mother and younger brother. Though he wasn’t working on new projects, his early work still left a lasting impression on fans.

Since the news of his passing broke, former co-stars and fans have shared their condolences online, remembering him for his bright smile and the joy he brought to his work. Blake’s family is planning a private memorial in Oklahoma to honor his life.

How to Eat Fried Worms continues to be one of Blake’s most recognized roles. The film also featured young actors Griffin Gluck and Josh Hutcherson and was based on the popular children’s book by Thomas Rockwell. It remains a fond part of childhood movie memories for many viewers.

What is your favorite memory of Blake Garrett in How to Eat Fried Worms, and how can we better support child actors as they grow into adulthood? Share your thoughts in the comments.