Blake Garrett, 'How to Eat Fried Worms' Actor, Dies at 33

The former child star was remembered for his role in the 2006 family comedy.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Blake Garrett, who played the role of Pug in the 2006 family film "How to Eat Fried Worms," has died at the age of 33. Garrett's mother said he had recently been diagnosed with shingles and may have attempted to self-medicate, leading to a tragic accident. Garrett had stepped away from acting in recent years and was living a positive, stable life in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Garrett's death at a young age is a tragic loss for his family and the entertainment community. As a former child actor, his story highlights the challenges that some young performers face in transitioning to life outside of the spotlight.

The details

Blake Garrett, who played the role of Pug in the 2006 family film "How to Eat Fried Worms," passed away on February 8, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His mother, Carol Garrett, said he had visited an emergency room the week before his death after experiencing intense pain and was diagnosed with shingles, a viral infection that can cause severe neck pain. She believes he may have attempted to self-medicate to cope with the discomfort, and that his passing could have been a tragic accident.

  • Garrett passed away on February 8, 2026.
  • He had visited an emergency room the week before his death.

The players

Blake Garrett

A former child actor best known for his role in the 2006 family comedy "How to Eat Fried Worms."

Carol Garrett

Garrett's mother, who confirmed his death and provided details about his recent medical condition.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Carol Garrett, Garrett's mother (TMZ)

What’s next

The family is still awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the official cause of Garrett's death.

The takeaway

Garrett's passing at a young age is a tragic loss, and his story highlights the challenges that some former child actors face in transitioning to life outside of the entertainment industry. His family's focus on his recent personal growth and stability serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that can emerge even in the face of adversity.