Former child actor Blake Garrett, best known for playing Plug in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died at the age of 33. His death was confirmed by his mother on February 8, 2026. According to reports, Garrett had recently been hospitalized after experiencing severe pain and was diagnosed with shingles. The official cause of death has not yet been released, as autopsy results are still pending.
Who Was Blake Garrett? A Look at His Early Life and Childhood Fame
Blake Garrett, born Nolan Blake Garrett on September 14, 1992, in Austin, Texas, was one of those young actors many people remember from their childhood movie nights. He didn’t come from a flashy Hollywood background. Instead, he grew up in Texas in a regular family environment where his love for performing slowly began to shine. From a young age, Blake enjoyed being on stage. He wasn’t just playing around—he genuinely loved acting, singing, and entertaining people.
Before appearing in movies, Blake built his confidence through local theater. He performed in productions like The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Grease, and other family-friendly plays. These early-stage experiences helped him understand how to connect with an audience. Theatre is not easy, especially for a child. It requires memorizing lines, practicing for hours, and performing live without mistakes. Blake handled it with impressive maturity.
One of his early big experiences was touring with Barney’s Colorful World. Traveling and performing at such a young age takes courage and discipline. It also shows that he was serious about acting. Step by step, he moved from local stage productions to bigger opportunities.
When Blake entered the film world, he became part of a generation of child actors who brought humor and personality to family movies in the 2000s. He may not have been a constant face in Hollywood, but during his time, he made an impression. For many kids growing up in that era, Blake Garrett became a familiar and memorable face on screen.
Blake Garrett’s Breakthrough Role in How to Eat Fried Worms
Blake Garrett is best remembered for his role as “Plug” in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms. The movie, based on a popular children’s book, told a funny and slightly gross story about a boy who accepts a challenge to eat worms. It was exactly the kind of film that kids loved—silly, bold, and full of friendship moments.
Blake’s character, Plug, stood out because of his lively personality and expressive reactions. He brought energy to every scene he appeared in. Even though he was part of an ensemble cast, his presence felt natural and confident. Acting in a full-length feature film is a big responsibility, especially for a young actor. Long shooting days, repeated takes, and staying focused can be exhausting. But Blake managed it well.
The movie connected with many families and became a fun memory for kids who watched it during that time. It wasn’t just about eating worms—it was about peer pressure, bravery, and friendship. Blake and his co-stars worked well together, which made the story believable and enjoyable.
In 2007, the cast won a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast. That recognition was a proud moment for Blake. It showed that his work was appreciated not just by audiences but also within the industry. Even years later, when people talk about the movie, his role is still remembered.
From Child Star to Private Life: Blake Garrett’s Journey After Hollywood
Unlike some child actors who stay in the spotlight forever, Blake Garrett chose a different path. After his early success, he slowly stepped away from acting. Fame at a young age can be exciting, but it also comes with pressure. Growing up in front of cameras is not easy, and many child stars decide to live more private lives as they get older.
Blake seemed to prefer a quieter lifestyle away from Hollywood. While there isn’t a long list of adult acting roles connected to his name, that doesn’t mean his life lacked meaning. Sometimes stepping away from fame is a strong and personal decision. It allows someone to focus on personal growth, health, and rebuilding.
Reports later shared that Blake had been sober for several years before his passing. That detail speaks volumes about his strength. Staying sober requires commitment and determination. It shows he was working toward a better and healthier life. Behind the child star image was a real person dealing with real challenges.
He was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in his later years. Those who knew him described him as kind and thoughtful. Even though he wasn’t active in movies anymore, the people close to him valued who he was beyond acting. His story reminds us that childhood fame is only one chapter of a person’s life—not the whole book.
Blake Garrett’s Awards, Achievements, and Career Highlights
Even though Blake Garrett’s time in the entertainment industry was short, it included meaningful achievements. His biggest highlight was clearly How to Eat Fried Worms. Being part of a film that earned recognition and an award is something many actors dream of, and Blake accomplished that at a young age.
Winning the Young Artist Award with his castmates was a major achievement. Awards like this are not handed out easily. They reflect teamwork, dedication, and talent. For Blake, it confirmed that his performance made an impact.
Beyond film, his theater background also deserves recognition. Performing live in front of audiences helped him build strong acting skills early in life. Theater actors must rely on their voice, expressions, and timing without camera edits. That training likely helped him feel comfortable in front of the camera later.
Touring internationally with a production like Barney’s Colorful World also stands out. It showed that he was trusted with professional responsibilities at a young age. Traveling, rehearsing, and performing consistently is not simple for a child.
While his acting credits may not be extensive, the quality of his early achievements makes his career memorable. Sometimes it’s not about how long someone stays in the spotlight, but about the moments they create while they are there.
Blake Garrett’s Untimely Death at 33: What We Know So Far
The news of Blake Garrett’s passing at the age of 33 came as a shock to many people who remembered him from their childhood. He died on February 8, 2026, and the news was later confirmed by his family. According to reports, he had recently been hospitalized due to severe pain and had been diagnosed with shingles. However, the official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
Losing someone at such a young age is always heartbreaking. For fans who grew up watching How to Eat Fried Worms, hearing about his passing felt personal. It reminded many people of their own childhood memories connected to the movie. One detail that stood out in reports was that Blake had been sober for several years. That part of his story is important because it shows resilience. Life after childhood fame can be complicated, but he appeared to be working toward stability and healing.
Blake Garrett may not have continued acting into adulthood, but he left behind something meaningful—memories. For many viewers, he will always be the funny and energetic kid from a movie they loved. His story is both inspiring and sad. It reflects early success, personal struggles, growth, and a life remembered by those who watched him on screen. Though his time in Hollywood was brief, his presence remains part of early 2000s family movie history. And sometimes, that kind of lasting memory is enough to keep someone’s legacy alive.