Former Child Star Blake Garrett Dies Unexpectedly at 33
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Blake Garrett, the former child star best known for his role in the 2006 film How To Eat Fried Worms. Garrett passed away on Sunday at the age of 33. His mother, Carol, confirmed his death to TMZ, but the exact cause remains unknown as the family awaits the official medical examiner’s report.
Born Nolan Blake Garrett in Austin, Texas, the young actor began his journey in the performing arts at a very early age. His early career included participation in local theatre productions, such as Aladdin And His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. By the age of 10, Garrett was already performing in travelling theatre, joining the production of Barney’s Colorful World, which toured across the country and played in large arenas. This early exposure to the stage eventually led to his on-screen debut, with a video release stemming from the Barney’s Colorful World show in 2004.
However, it was his starring role in the theatrical adaptation of the beloved children’s book, How To Eat Fried Worms, that propelled Garrett into the spotlight. The film, released in 2006, may have received mixed reviews, but Garrett and his young co-stars were recognised for their performances, earning the award for Best Young Ensemble Cast at the 28th Young Artist Awards in 2007.
Despite this significant early success, Garrett’s career in acting did not appear to continue beyond this notable role, with no further acting credits listed after How To Eat Fried Worms.
His mother, Carol, shared that Garrett’s final days were marked by significant medical distress. She explained that he had been experiencing excruciating pain, leading to a visit to an emergency room in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just last week. The condition was reportedly diagnosed as shingles, a painful viral infection caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. While shingles is more commonly associated with older individuals, it can affect people of any age.
Carol expressed her deep concern that the intense pain from the shingles might have led her son to seek relief through self-medication. She reportedly feared that he might have succumbed to a tragic accident while attempting to cope with the illness. While the specific substances she feared Garrett might have been using were not disclosed, it was noted that he had reportedly been sober for the past three years.
The circumstances surrounding Blake Garrett’s passing are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges individuals can face, even after experiencing early success. The entertainment community and fans alike are sending their condolences to his family during this difficult time.
