Blake Garrett, Child Star from ‘How to Eat Fried Worms,’ Passes Away at 33
The entertainment community is mourning the unexpected loss of Blake Garrett, who captured hearts as a young performer in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms. He was 33 years old.
Sudden Passing Leaves Family Seeking Answers
According to reports confirmed by TMZ on February 9, 2025, Garrett passed away on Sunday, February 8. His mother, Carol Garrett, shared that the family is currently awaiting autopsy results from an Oklahoma medical examiner to determine the official cause of death.
Carol revealed that her son had recently sought emergency medical care in Oklahoma after experiencing severe pain, where doctors diagnosed him with shingles. The family has been left devastated by his sudden passing.
Blake had made Tulsa, Oklahoma his home for the past three years, where his mother noted he had committed to maintaining a sober lifestyle—a positive change he embraced in recent years.
A Brief but Memorable Acting Career
Blake Garrett’s acting credits may have been limited, but they left a lasting impression on young audiences. His screen career consisted of two notable appearances during his childhood.
His first role came in 2004 when he appeared in the Barney & Friends special Barney’s Colorful World, Live! Two years later, he landed what would become his most recognized role as the character Plug in How to Eat Fried Worms.
The 2006 film, based on Thomas Rockwell’s beloved 1974 children’s book, tells the story of Billy (portrayed by Luke Benward), a new student who accepts a challenge from school bully Joe (Adam Hicks) to eat 10 worms without getting sick.
Fond Memories from the Set
In a 2006 interview with The Oklahoman newspaper, a 13-year-old Blake reflected enthusiastically on his experience filming the movie.
“I play the bully’s henchman,” he explained at the time. “But everybody got along on the set.”
He shared specific memories that highlight the joy of filmmaking through a child’s eyes: “There were rows of bicycles, and they let me have first pick. There was one scene where we were riding on a gravel road and got to slide to a stop. The guys who could ride worked on that scene.”
Blake particularly remembered one moment that made it into the final cut: “They had a camera on the ground, and in one scene I slid and gravel hit the camera. They really liked that shot, and that’s the one they used in the movie.”
Award-Winning Ensemble Performance
Blake’s work in How to Eat Fried Worms earned recognition from the entertainment industry. In 2007, he and his young co-stars—including Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Ty Panitz, Philip Bolden, Andrew Gillingham, Austin Rogers, Nick Krause, Stephan Bender, and Alexander Agate—received a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast in a Feature Film.
The young performers triumphed over competition from other family films including Nanny McPhee, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, and Unaccompanied Minors.
The film’s adult cast featured established actors Tom Cavanagh, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, the late James Rebhorn, and Andrea Martin, who provided mentorship to the younger performers.
Life Beyond Hollywood
Following How to Eat Fried Worms, Blake chose not to pursue further acting opportunities. During his 2006 interview with The Oklahoman, the young actor expressed different interests for his future, particularly his passion for football and wrestling.
This decision to step away from the entertainment industry allowed Blake to live a life outside the Hollywood spotlight, eventually settling in Oklahoma where he built a life focused on personal growth and sobriety.
A Legacy Remembered
Though Blake Garrett’s time in the entertainment industry was brief, his performance in How to Eat Fried Worms continues to bring joy to families who discover the film. His portrayal of Plug contributed to a movie that has become a nostalgic favorite for millennials who grew up watching it.
The film itself remains a beloved adaptation of Rockwell’s classic children’s book, introducing new generations to the story’s themes of courage, friendship, and standing up to bullies.
As the Garrett family awaits answers about Blake’s unexpected passing, fans who remember his work are sharing condolences and memories of the young actor who brought laughter to their childhoods.
Blake Garrett is survived by his mother Carol and other family members who are grieving this tremendous loss. His brief but bright career serves as a reminder of the impact even young performers can have on audiences, creating memories that last long after the cameras stop rolling.