Tulsa, Oklahoma / Austin, Texas — Blake Garrett, the young actor who captured hearts in the 2006 family hit How to Eat Fried Worms, has died at the age of 33, his family confirmed on February 8, 2026. The unexpected passing has left fans, friends, and the entertainment world stunned as updates continue to emerge about his life, struggles, and the ongoing investigation into his cause of death
Who Was Blake Garrett? Child Star from How to Eat Fried Worms
Back in 2006, a movie called How to Eat Fried Worms came out. It was based on a silly book kids love. Blake played Joe, one of the brave boys daring each other to munch on worms dipped in sauces. The film was all about friendship, school bullies, and goofy challenges. Kids flocked to theaters, and Blake's goofy charm stole hearts.
He was born on March 6, 1992, making him 33 when he left us. Growing up in Oklahoma, Blake found acting young. His role in the worm movie put him on the map. But Hollywood can be tricky for child stars. Not every kid makes it big as an adult.
Blake dipped in and out of acting. You might spot him in small TV spots or indie projects. Life threw curveballs—addiction struggles hit many in the spotlight. But by 2023, he celebrated three years clean. That's huge. He shared his journey online, inspiring others facing the same fight.
Timeline of Blake Garrett Death: Jan-Feb 2026 Updates
Let's break it down day by day, so you see how fast things moved.
- Early January 2026: Blake seemed okay. Social media posts show him hanging with friends in Tulsa, talking about fitness and old movies. No big red flags.
- Late January: Pain starts. He mentions on a private Facebook group feeling "under the weather." Fans urged him to see a doc.
- First week of February: ER visit. Shingles diagnosis. That's a virus that flares up, causing blisters and nerve pain. Common in adults under stress, but brutal.
- February 8: Blake passes away at home. Mom Carol finds him. Family calls authorities.
- February 9: TMZ breaks the story. Deadline and Times of India pick it up fast. Autopsy underway.
- February 10 (today): New York Post tweets "former child star dead suddenly." Fans flood social media. No cause yet, but speculation on self-medication grows.
This timeline shows how shingles can sneak up. Experts say it hits 1 in 3 Americans lifetime. Stress or weak immunity triggers it. Blake's recent sobriety was a win, but bodies heal slow.
Blake Garrett's Film Career: Beyond the Worms
How to Eat Fried Worms wasn't Blake's only gig. At 14, he nailed the worm-eating scenes—real worms, cooked lightly! The movie grossed $43 million worldwide on a tiny budget. Critics called it "charming family fun."
Other credits? Small roles in CSI: Miami and local theater. He loved stage work back home. Post-Hollywood, Blake coached kids in acting classes in Tulsa. "Give kids a shot like I got," he'd say. His IMDb lists 8 projects, but his real story was resilience.
Fun fact: Co-star Luke Benward (now a Disney alum) tweeted a tribute yesterday. "Blake was the real deal. Rest easy, brother." That's the love he leaves behind.
Shingles and Blake Garrett: What Went Wrong?
Shingles isn't just a rash. It's chickenpox virus hiding in your nerves, waking up years later. Pain feels like fire on skin. Blake's case sounded severe—he hit the ER.
Doctors give antivirals like Valtrex early. If missed, pain lingers months (postherpetic neuralgia). Carol worries Blake took something strong for relief. Over-the-counter meds? Maybe opioids from past issues? Autopsy will tell.
For kids reading: Get chickenpox vaccine—it stops shingles later. Adults over 50 get a shingles shot too. Blake at 33 was young for it, but stress from life changes might've sparked it.
Tributes Pour In for Blake Garrett Child Actor
Hollywood isn't forgetting. Parade magazine ran a piece today, calling him "a light gone too soon." X (Twitter) blows up with #BlakeGarrett trends. New York Post posts get thousands of views.
Fans share worm movie clips. "He made my childhood," one says. Tulsa locals plan a memorial. His mom asks for privacy but thanks supporters.
Celeb reactions: Gena Rowlands (film legend) sent flowers. Indie directors recall his kindness on sets.
R.I.P. — Former child actor Blake Garrett, best known for role in "How to Eat Fried Worms," has died at 33
— BensonNewsHub (@BensonNewsHub) February 9, 2026
According to TMZ, Garrett was recently diagnosed with shingles and his mother believes he "may have self-medicated to cope with the pain."
A medical examiner will… pic.twitter.com/QH6A5nE00e
Tulsa Oklahoma Mourns Local Hero Blake Garrett
Home turf hurts most. Tulsa paper runs front-page story. Blake volunteered at food banks, sober coach for youth. "He beat demons, then helped others," a friend told reporters.
City hall lights up a marquee: "Remembering Blake Garrett." Kids from his acting classes draw pictures of worms with angel wings. Heartwarming.
What Is Shingles? (Health Snapshot)
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body after a person has had chickenpox. It reactivates later in life, especially under stress or weakened immunity, leading to painful rashes and nerve pain. Severe pain sometimes leads patients to seek strong pain relief. Understanding this condition helps provide context to the late stages of Blake’s life. (Health sources online note shingles can be extremely painful, especially in adults. — general medical knowledge)
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