Former Child Actor Blake Garrett Dies at 33, Family Awaits Autopsy Results

Former child actor Blake Garrett, remembered by many for his role as Plug in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died at the age of 33.

Garrett passed away on Sunday, February 8, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The news was confirmed by his mother, Carol Garrett, who said the family is still awaiting official autopsy results to determine the precise cause of death.

His passing has sent a wave of sadness through fans who grew up watching his work, as well as those who knew him personally in later years.

Early Life and Beginnings in Performance

Blake Garrett was born Nolan Blake Garrett in Austin, Texas.

From an early age, he demonstrated a natural affinity for performance, drawing attention for his energy, presence, and enthusiasm on stage.

As a child, he became active in local theater, where his talent quickly stood out.

He appeared in stage productions such as Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute, roles that allowed him to develop confidence and stage discipline.

These early performances marked the beginning of a childhood spent balancing school, rehearsals, and auditions.

His passion for acting continued to grow as he took part in additional productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Grease.

Each role added to his experience and helped shape his identity as a young performer.

A Major Milestone at a Young Age

One of the most significant achievements of Garrett’s early career came when he was just 10 years old.

At that age, he joined the national tour of Barney’s Colorful World International Tour.

Touring nationally required discipline and resilience, especially for a child performer.

The experience exposed him to large audiences and professional production environments across multiple locations.

For many young actors, such an opportunity represents a defining moment, offering both excitement and responsibility.

For Garrett, it was a clear indication that he was capable of succeeding on a larger stage.

Breakthrough Role in a Family Favorite

In 2006, Garrett reached a wider audience with his role in the family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms.

He portrayed Plug, one of the students involved in the story’s central challenge.

The film followed a new student who makes an outrageous bet with a bully, agreeing to eat ten worms without getting sick.

The premise, unusual and humorous, resonated with young audiences.

Garrett appeared alongside a youthful ensemble cast, contributing to the film’s playful and mischievous tone.

The group performance was well received, and the cast went on to win a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast.

For many viewers who grew up in the mid-2000s, the movie became a memorable part of childhood entertainment.

Garrett’s performance as Plug helped cement his place in that shared cultural memory.

Life Beyond Childhood Fame

As with many child actors, Garrett’s life evolved significantly after his early years in the spotlight.

In later years, he relocated to Oklahoma, where he focused on rebuilding and stabilizing his life.

According to his mother, Garrett had been sober for three years prior to his death.

She described this period as one of personal pride and hard-earned progress.

Maintaining sobriety required sustained effort, commitment, and resilience.

Those close to him indicated that he was determined to move forward in a positive direction.

He was described as someone actively working toward a healthier and more stable future.

Health Struggles in His Final Days

In the time leading up to his death, Garrett experienced significant physical pain.

His mother shared that he had recently gone to the emergency room seeking medical help.

There, he was diagnosed with shingles, a condition known to cause severe discomfort.

The diagnosis marked a difficult period, as he attempted to cope with the pain associated with the illness.

Carol Garrett expressed concern that her son may have attempted to self-medicate in an effort to manage his symptoms.

She fears that his death may have been the result of a tragic accident.

At this time, no official cause of death has been released.

The family is waiting for autopsy findings to provide clarity and answers.

A Family in Mourning

The loss has been devastating for Garrett’s family.

Carol Garrett described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing the uncertainty they are facing while awaiting medical confirmation.

The absence of immediate answers has added to the emotional toll.

For a parent, the loss of a child is an unimaginable grief, regardless of age.

Those close to the family have expressed sympathy and support as they navigate this difficult period.

The focus remains on honoring Garrett’s life while seeking understanding of his passing.

Reflections From Those Who Knew Him

People who knew Garrett in recent years say he had been making genuine efforts to rebuild his life.

He was described as focused, determined, and committed to maintaining sobriety.

Friends and family members believed he was moving toward a more stable and hopeful future.

His death has been described as sudden and deeply shocking.

For those who followed his journey, it represents a painful interruption of progress and recovery.

It also highlights the fragility of life, particularly for individuals managing health challenges.

A Childhood Career Remembered

Although Garrett did not remain in the public eye as an adult actor, his early work left a lasting impression.

For many fans, How to Eat Fried Worms remains a nostalgic reminder of childhood.

Garrett’s performance contributed to the film’s enduring appeal.

His work in theater and touring productions demonstrated versatility and dedication at a young age.

These accomplishments stand as a testament to his early talent and work ethic.

The Challenges of Growing Up After Fame

Garrett’s life story reflects a broader reality faced by many former child performers.

Early success can bring opportunity, but it can also introduce pressures that linger long after the spotlight fades.

Adjusting to adulthood outside of public recognition often requires reinvention and resilience.

Garrett’s efforts to focus on sobriety and personal growth suggest he was actively navigating that transition.

His story underscores the importance of support systems and access to care.

An Untimely Loss

At just 33 years old, Garrett’s death feels especially premature.

His life encompassed early achievement, personal struggle, and renewed determination.

The sudden nature of his passing has left many grappling with unanswered questions.

As the family awaits autopsy results, the emphasis remains on remembrance rather than speculation.

His mother’s openness about his recent health issues reflects a desire for honesty and understanding.

Remembering Blake Garrett

Blake Garrett will be remembered by fans as a lively and memorable presence in a beloved family film.

He will be remembered by those who knew him personally as a son, a friend, and a person striving to move forward.

His early achievements in theater and film remain part of his legacy.

Equally important are the efforts he made in later years to rebuild his life.

These chapters together form a complete picture of a life marked by talent, struggle, and perseverance.

Conclusion

The death of Blake Garrett at 33 has brought renewed attention to both his childhood career and his personal journey.

As his family waits for definitive answers, tributes continue to reflect on his work and his resilience.

He leaves behind memories cherished by fans and loved ones alike.

While his life ended far too soon, his impact endures through the roles he played and the progress he fought to achieve.

In remembering Blake Garrett, many are reminded of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those navigating life beyond early fame.