Who Is Blake Garrett? 'How to Eat Fried Worms's Child Actor Blake Garrett Death at 33
The sudden news of child actor Blake Garrett death has left fans of early-2000s family cinema stunned and heartbroken. Best remembered for his role as Plug in the 2006 children’s comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, Blake Garrett passed away unexpectedly at the age of 33, cutting short a life that once brought joy to millions of young viewers.
As tributes pour in online, many are asking: Who is Blake Garrett? What happened to him? How did the former child actor die? Former child actor Blake Garrett death Reasons. This in-depth report explores his life, career, final days, and legacy—while also shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of child actors after the spotlight fades.
Who Is Blake Garrett?
Blake Garrett was a former American child actor who gained recognition in the mid-2000s for his role in a popular family film. Though his time in Hollywood was brief, his performance left a lasting impression on a generation of viewers who grew up watching Disney-style coming-of-age movies.
Blake Garrett: Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Garrett |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Profession | Child Actor |
| Famous For | How to Eat Fried Worms (2006) |
| Death Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Age at Death | 33 years |
| Place of Death | Oklahoma, USA |
Child Actor Blake Garrett Death: What Happened?
The child actor Blake Garrett death occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Oklahoma. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating that the family is awaiting official autopsy results to determine the exact cause.

What We Know So Far
- Blake Garrett had visited an emergency room days before his death
- He was diagnosed with shingles, a viral infection known for causing extreme nerve pain
- His mother believes he may have self-medicated to manage the pain
- The death is suspected to be a tragic accident
- Final cause of death pending autopsy confirmation
While shingles is rarely fatal on its own, severe pain combined with improper medication use can lead to dangerous complications.
Timeline of Blake Garrett’s Final Days
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late January 2026 | Severe pain begins |
| Early February 2026 | ER visit in Oklahoma |
| Diagnosis | Shingles confirmed |
| February 8, 2026 | Blake Garrett passes away |
| February 10, 2026 | News becomes public |
| Pending | Autopsy results |
Early Life: How Blake Garrett Became a Child Actor
To understand who Blake Garrett was, it’s important to look at his early passion for performing. Born in Austin, Texas, Blake showed an interest in acting at a very young age.
By just eight years old, he was already performing in local theatre productions, quickly standing out for his confidence and stage presence.
Notable Theatre Roles
- The Magician – Aladdin and His Magical Lamp
- Charlie Brown – Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute
- Roles in Annie, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz
These early performances laid the groundwork for his transition into film and touring productions.
Breakthrough Role: How to Eat Fried Worms (2006)
The defining moment of Blake Garrett’s career came in 2006, when he appeared in the film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s beloved children’s novel.
Blake Garrett as “Plug”
In How to Eat Fried Worms, Blake Garrett played Plug, one of the henchmen to the main bully, Joe Guire. Though not the lead, his role was memorable and contributed to the film’s realistic portrayal of school bullying.
Main Cast Table
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Luke Benward | Billy Forrester |
| Adam Hicks | Joe Guire |
| Blake Garrett | Plug |
| Austin Rogers | Twitch |
| Tom Cavanagh | Mr. Forrester |
| Kimberly Williams-Paisley | Mrs. Forrester |
Awards and Recognition
Despite a short film career, Blake Garrett achieved notable recognition early on.
Young Artist Award (2007)
- Award: Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film
- Film: How to Eat Fried Worms
- Achievement: Shared with the main cast
This award cemented his place in early-2000s family film history.
Chappell Roan at Grammy Awards 2026: What Is Going on With Chappell Roan’s Dress?
Blake Garrett Filmography: Complete List of Movies
Many fans searching “Who is Blake Garrett” are surprised to learn his professional credits were limited—highlighting how tough Hollywood can be for child actors.

Blake Garrett Movies and TV Appearances
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Barney: Let’s Go to the Firehouse | Child Performer |
| 2006 | How to Eat Fried Worms | Plug |
Touring with Barney: Life on the Road
At just 10 years old, Blake joined the national touring production of Barney’s Colorful World, performing in large arenas across the United States between 2003 and 2004.
This experience exposed him to professional touring life—long before most children finish elementary school.
Why Blake Garrett Left Acting?
After How to Eat Fried Worms, Blake Garrett quietly stepped away from Hollywood. Unlike some child stars, he did not pursue adult roles or return to the industry.
Common Reasons Child Actors Leave Hollywood
- Difficulty transitioning to adult roles
- Pressure and burnout at a young age
- Desire for privacy and normalcy
- Limited opportunities after early fame
Blake Garrett’s journey reflects a reality faced by nearly 85–90% of child actors.
Life After Fame: Sobriety and a Fresh Start
According to his mother, Blake Garrett spent his later years living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had been sober and rebuilding his life.
She described him as:
- “Living a really good life”
- Focused on stability and recovery
- Away from the pressures of public attention
This makes the child actor Blake Garrett death even more tragic, as it came during a period of personal progress.
Blake Garrett Net Worth at the Time of Death
Many readers searching who is Blake Garrett also ask about his finances.
Estimated Net Worth
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $50,000 – $150,000 (approx.) |
| Main Income | Child acting roles |
| Royalties | Minimal |
| Adult Career Earnings | Not publicly known |
Unlike major child stars who continue acting, Blake’s earnings were modest.
Medical Context: Understanding Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Symptoms Include:
- Intense nerve pain
- Blistering rash
- Fever and fatigue
- Sensitivity to touch
In severe cases, pain can lead individuals to seek strong pain relief, which can be dangerous if unmanaged.
Q&A: Child Actor Blake Garrett Death Explained
Q: How did Blake Garrett die?
A: The official cause is pending, but he was diagnosed with shingles and may have self-medicated for pain.
Q: How old was Blake Garrett when he died?
A: He was 33 years old.
Q: What was Blake Garrett famous for?
A: Playing Plug in How to Eat Fried Worms (2006).
Q: Did Blake Garrett act as an adult?
A: No, his last acting credit was in 2006.
Q: Where was Blake Garrett living before his death?
A: Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Comparison: Blake Garrett and Other Child Actors
| Actor | Child Fame | Adult Career |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Garrett | How to Eat Fried Worms | Left acting |
| Macaulay Culkin | Home Alone | Limited return |
| Haley Joel Osment | The Sixth Sense | Continued success |
| Danny Lloyd | The Shining | Left Hollywood |
Legacy: How Blake Garrett Will Be Remembered
Though his career was brief, Blake Garrett remains part of childhood nostalgia for millions. His performance continues to live on through streaming platforms and reruns, ensuring that his work isn’t forgotten.
The story of child actor Blake Garrett death is both a remembrance and a reminder—of talent discovered young, challenges faced quietly, and a life lived beyond the camera.
Final Thoughts
So, who is Blake Garrett? He was more than a former child actor. He was a performer, a touring artist, a young boy who tasted fame early, and an adult who sought peace away from it.
The death of child actor Blake Garrett at 33 is a tragic loss—but his story continues through the memories he helped create. As fans revisit How to Eat Fried Worms, they’ll remember a familiar face from childhood and a life that mattered, even after the spotlight faded.