Blake Garrett, the talented performer who famously starred in the 2006 film How to Eat Fried Worms, has passed away at the age of 33. On February 8, 2026, the actor died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy that spanned from the bright lights of Hollywood to a deeply personal quest for peace and sobriety. While audiences remember him for his energetic performances as a child, his family highlights a story of human resilience and the quiet battle for redemption that defined his final years.
Garrett’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where his natural charisma made him a standout in local theater productions like The Wizard of Oz and Grease. By age ten, he was touring the country with Barney’s Colorful World, a demanding role that paved the way for his transition into film. His breakthrough came as ‘Plug’ in How to Eat Fried Worms, where his award-winning ensemble performance earned a Young Artist Award and secured his place as a nostalgic icon for a generation of young viewers.
As he moved into adulthood, Garrett chose to step away from the entertainment industry, eventually relocating to Oklahoma to seek a quieter life. His family takes great pride in his final years, which were defined by a courageous and successful commitment to sobriety. To those who knew him best, this daily victory represented his true strength, showing a man who was dedicated to rebuilding his life from the ground up and finding a fresh start away from the public eye.
Tragically, his life was cut short following complications from a severe case of shingles, which caused intense physical pain in his final days. While the community awaits official autopsy results, his mother believes the stress and complications of the illness played a critical role in his passing. Blake Garrett is remembered today not just as a child star, but as a resilient individual who faced his demons head-on and became the hero of his own story, leaving behind a message of hope and the power of personal transformation.