By Mary Woo
Blake Garrett, the former child actor best known for his role in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died at the age of 33, his family confirmed.
Garrett passed away on Sunday February 8, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had been living in recent years. His mother, Carol Garrett, told TMZ that the family is still awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
According to Carol Garrett, her son had visited an emergency room the week before his death after experiencing intense pain, and he was diagnosed with shingles, a viral infection that can cause severe neck pain. She said she believes he may have attempted to self-medicate to cope with the discomfort, and that his passing could have been a tragic accident – though no definitive cause has yet been announced.
A Childhood in Entertainment
Born on September 14, 1992, in Austin Texas, Garrett began performing at a young age, appearing in local theater productions such as Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. At just 10-years-old, he hit the road touring nationwide with Barney’s Colorful World International Tour, showcasing his talent in front of live audiences.
His most recognized screen role came in 2006 with the adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s beloved children’s book, How To Eat Fried Worms, in which Garrett played the role of Pug, one of the schoolyard bullies. The ensemble cause, which included several young performers, won the Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast the following year.
Though How to Eat Fried Worms was his most notable film credit, Garrett chose not to pursue a long-term acting career. After stepping back from show business, he focused on life outside of Hollywood, developing interests athletics and other pursuits.
A Life Turned Around
In recent years, family members said Garrett had embraced sobriety and was living a positive, stable life in Tulsa, his mother described the past three years as a period of personal growth and renewal.
Tributes from fans and fellow entertainment-industry observers have poured in since news of his death spread, with many remembering Garrett’s memorial presence in a film that left a nostalgic mark on a generation of viewers
Original article
Comments