Blake Garrett, Former Child Actor, Dies at 33

Blake Garrett, a former child actor best known for his role as Plug in the 2006 family comedy *How to Eat Fried Worms*, has died at the age of 33 in Oklahoma. His mother, Carol Garrett, reported that Blake passed away on February 8, 2026, and the family is currently awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause of death. According to Carol, Blake had visited the emergency room the previous week due to intense pain and was subsequently diagnosed with shingles. She expressed concern that he may have self-medicated to alleviate the pain associated with the viral infection, suggesting that his death could have been a tragic accident.

TMZ

Born on September 14, 1992, in Austin, Texas, Blake Garrett began his acting career at the age of 8, participating in local productions. He earned lead roles in notable performances such as the magician in *Aladdin and His Magical Lamp* and Charlie Brown in *Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute*. His career included additional theater credits in productions like *The Wizard of Oz*, *Annie*, and *Grease*. Blake's most significant role came in *How to Eat Fried Worms*, a film adapted from Thomas Rockwell's 1973 children’s book, which earned him a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast in 2007. At just 10 years old, he also toured with the arena show *Barney’s Colorful World International Tour*.

Deadline Hollywood

Carol Garrett shared with TMZ that her son had turned his life around in the past three years while living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after achieving sobriety. She emphasized that he was living a fulfilling life prior to his untimely death. The family is hopeful that the autopsy results will provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding Blake's passing.

TMZ

While the family has expressed their belief that Blake's death may have been accidental, there is a broader conversation surrounding the potential risks associated with self-medication for pain management. Critics argue that the lack of adequate medical support for individuals dealing with viral infections like shingles can lead to tragic outcomes, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help rather than self-treating.

TMZ

“She tells us Blake had been living a really good life over the past three years in Tulsa, Oklahoma and had truly turned things around after becoming sober.” — Carol Garrett, Mother

TMZ

“Carol adds Blake may have self-medicated to cope with the pain from the viral infection, and she believes his death could have been a tragic accident.” — Carol Garrett, Mother

TMZ

As the family awaits the autopsy results, they are likely to seek further understanding of the circumstances that led to Blake Garrett's death. The outcome may prompt discussions about health care access and the importance of professional medical guidance in managing health conditions.

TMZ