Former child actor Blake Garrett, best known for his role as Plug in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died at just 33 years old. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and fans heartbroken, as many remember him as a bright, talented performer whose early promise made a lasting impression on audiences who grew up watching him.
Garrett died on Sunday, February 8, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed the devastating news, explaining that the family is still awaiting official autopsy results to determine his exact cause of death. She shared that the uncertainty has made the loss even more painful, as they try to understand what happened in the hours leading up to his passing.
Born Nolan Blake Garrett in Austin, Texas, Blake showed remarkable talent from a young age. He quickly became a standout in local theater, performing in productions such as Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. His natural stage presence and enthusiasm for performing led him to roles in The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Grease, where he continued to shine. At only 10 years old, he earned a spot on the national tour of Barney’s Colorful World International Tour, a major accomplishment for such a young performer and a sign of the bright future many believed he had ahead of him.
But it was in 2006 that Garrett reached his widest audience. In How to Eat Fried Worms, he played Plug, one of the memorable kids in the ensemble cast. The film followed a new student who makes a wild bet with a school bully — to eat 10 worms without throwing up — and became a quirky, beloved favorite for many children of the mid‑2000s. Garrett and his castmates went on to win a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast, a recognition that highlighted the charm and chemistry that made the movie so memorable.
In the years that followed, Garrett stepped away from Hollywood and eventually settled in Oklahoma. According to his mother, he had been sober for three years — something he was deeply proud of and had worked tirelessly to maintain. She described him as someone who had been rebuilding his life, focusing on staying healthy, grounded, and committed to moving forward in a positive direction.
Carol also revealed that Blake had recently gone to the emergency room after experiencing severe pain and was diagnosed with shingles. She believes he may have tried to self‑medicate to cope with the discomfort, and fears that his death may have been a tragic accident rather than an intentional act. The uncertainty surrounding his final hours has left the family desperate for answers, hoping the autopsy will provide clarity.
Those who knew him say Garrett had been making real progress, reconnecting with loved ones and working to create a stable, hopeful future. Friends described him as kind, funny, and full of heart — someone who carried the same warmth into adulthood that he once brought to the screen as a child actor.
His passing at just 33 has left many reflecting on the pressures young performers face, the challenges of navigating life after early fame, and the importance of support systems for those working to overcome personal struggles. While Garrett had stepped away from the spotlight, his early work remained meaningful to those who grew up watching him, and news of his death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans who remember him fondly.
For his family, the loss is immeasurable. Carol Garrett expressed her gratitude for the love and support they have received, but said nothing can ease the pain of losing her son so suddenly. She described Blake as a “beautiful soul” who had fought hard to reclaim his life and was proud of the progress he had made.
Blake Garrett was only 33.
Rest in peace.
