‘How to Eat Fried Worms’ child star Blake Garrett dies suddenly at 33

Blake Garrett, the former child actor widely recognized for his role in the comedy “How to Eat Fried Worms,” has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 33.

Blake Garrett died on Sunday in Oklahoma, just days after being hospitalized and diagnosed with shingles. His mother, Carol, shared the news with TMZ, saying he had been taken to the hospital about a week earlier.

While an official cause of death has not yet been announced, his mother believes the circumstances may point to an accidental death. She expressed concern that he could have been self-medicating after learning about his illness.

Originally from Austin, Texas, Garrett portrayed the character Plug in the 2006 film “How to Eat Fried Worms.” The movie featured a young cast that included Luke Benward, Hallie Eisenberg, and Adam Hicks.

Directed by Bob Dolman, the film centers on Billy, played by Benward, who accepts a challenge to eat worms without getting sick. Garrett’s character served as the bully’s sidekick, though he later shared that the atmosphere on set was friendly and supportive despite the on-screen rivalries.

The young cast’s chemistry earned them the Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film award at the 2007 Young Artists Awards.

Before transitioning to film, Garrett had an active background in theater, appearing in productions such as “Aladdin and his Magical Lamp,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie,” and “Grease.”

He also toured internationally with “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour” from 2003 to 2004, according to Deadline. Reflecting on that time, Garrett once mentioned how children were often intrigued by his appearance.

“Some of them had never seen my hair color,” he said.

Shingles, the illness Garrett was reportedly battling, is a painful viral rash that affects roughly one in three people during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials note that deaths linked to shingles are rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported each year.

Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.