Former child actor Blake Garrett, remembered by many for his role as Plug in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has passed away at the age of 33. Garrett died on February 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his family still awaiting official confirmation of the cause of death. Born Nolan Blake Garrett in Austin, Texas, he showed remarkable talent from a young age, performing in local theater productions before touring nationally at just 10 years old with Barney’s Colorful World. His performance in How to Eat Fried Worms introduced him to a generation of young moviegoers, and the film’s young cast later received recognition for their ensemble performance, making the movie a memorable part of many childhoods.

In recent years, Garrett had stepped away from acting and was working to rebuild his life in Oklahoma. His mother shared that he had proudly maintained sobriety for three years and was focused on moving forward with renewed purpose. After recently seeking medical help for severe pain linked to shingles, his family fears his passing may have been the result of a tragic accident while trying to manage his discomfort. Friends and loved ones remember him as someone striving for a fresh start and hopeful future. Though his life ended far too soon, many continue to remember the joy his early performances brought to audiences.