Blake Garrett, a former child actor best known for his role in the 2006 comedy “How to Eat Fried Worms,” has died at the age of 33.
Garrett died Sunday in Oklahoma, one week after he was hospitalized and diagnosed with shingles, his mother, Carol Garrett, told TMZ.
She confirmed that her son died from unknown causes and said the family is awaiting autopsy results to determine an official cause of death.
Carol Garrett said the actor had gone to an Oklahoma emergency room last week with severe pain that was later identified as shingles.
She suggested the pain from the infection could be connected to his death.
The devastated mother also noted that Garrett had become sober in recent years and was back on the right track.
Early Career and Film Recognition
Born in Austin, Texas, Garrett played Pug in the 2006 children’s comedy film “How to Eat Fried Worms,” co-written and directed by Bob Dolman.
The film is loosely based on the 1973 children’s book of the same name.
It follows Billy, played by Luke Benward, after he is dared to eat worms without getting sick.
Garrett portrayed the bully’s sidekick.
He later said the young cast got along during filming.
Garrett appeared alongside Benward, Hallie Eisenberg, and Adam Hicks.
The ensemble won Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film at the 2007 Young Artist Awards.
He later appeared in the pilot episode of the television series “Inconceivable.”
Stage Work and Touring Performances
Before his screen role, Garrett performed in stage productions, including:
• “Aladdin and his Magical Lamp”
• “The Wizard of Oz”
• “Annie”
• “Grease”
He also toured with “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour” from 2003 to 2004, according to Deadline.
Garrett once joked about the attention he received from younger fans because of his appearance:
“Some of them had never seen my hair color,” he said.
Health Context
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and affects about one in three people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials report fewer than 100 deaths linked to shingles each year.
Garrett’s official cause of death has not yet been determined, pending autopsy results.
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