A former child actor who turned his life around after achieving sobriety has died at just 33 under circumstances that raise serious questions about emergency medical care and pain management protocols in America.
Emergency Room Visit Preceded Sudden Death
Blake Garrett sought emergency medical treatment in Oklahoma during the week before his death on February 8, 2026, experiencing severe pain that led to a shingles diagnosis. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed to media outlets that her son may have attempted to manage his pain through self-medication after the emergency room visit. She believes his death could have been a tragic accident resulting from his efforts to cope with the intense nerve pain associated with the viral infection. The medical examiner in Tulsa is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
Three-Year Sobriety Achievement Marked Turning Point
Garrett had successfully maintained sobriety for three years after relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma, around 2023, following earlier struggles with substance abuse. Carol Garrett described this period as transformative for her son, stating he “had been living a really good life over the past three years in Tulsa, Oklahoma and had truly turned things around after becoming sober.” This redemption story makes his sudden death particularly heartbreaking for family members and those who followed his journey. The circumstances surrounding his death underscore ongoing concerns about adequate pain management for patients dealing with legitimate medical conditions while maintaining recovery from substance issues.
Child Acting Career Began in Texas Theater
Born Nolan Blake Garrett on September 14, 1992, in Austin, Texas, he launched his entertainment career at age 8 in local theater productions. His early work included lead roles in productions of “Aladdin and His Magical Lamp,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie,” and “Grease.” At age 10, Garrett joined “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour” from 2003 to 2004, gaining recognition for his distinctive nearly-white hair that fascinated international audiences. His most prominent role came in 2006 when he portrayed Plug in “How to Eat Fried Worms,” alongside Luke Benward and Adam Hicks.
Young Artist Award Recognized Ensemble Performance
The young cast of “How to Eat Fried Worms,” which included Hallie Kate Eisenberg and Alexander Gould, won the 2007 Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast in a Feature Film. The movie, directed by Bob Dolman and adapted from Thomas Rockwell’s 1973 children’s book, became a family film favorite for audiences who grew up during that era. Garrett described his character as “the bully’s henchman” in a 2006 interview with The Oklahoman, noting that despite the on-screen dynamics, “everybody got along on the set.” His death at 33 has reignited discussions about support systems for former child actors transitioning to adulthood.
RIP Blake Garrett, Child Actor
Plug in How to Eat Fried Worms; Barney's Colorful World, Live!
Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film at the Young Artist Awards in 2007#InMemoriam #RIP pic.twitter.com/uC4pCiXM62— LegacyTributes (@InMemoriamX) February 10, 2026
Medical Emergency Raises Pain Management Questions
The circumstances of Garrett’s death highlight critical concerns about how emergency rooms handle pain management for patients with substance abuse histories. Shingles causes severe nerve pain that can be debilitating, yet medical providers often face difficult decisions balancing effective pain relief with concerns about prescription medication risks for patients in recovery. This case may contribute to broader conversations about whether adequate protocols exist to help recovering individuals manage legitimate medical pain without risking relapse or dangerous self-medication. As Americans increasingly question whether our healthcare system adequately serves patients dealing with complex medical and recovery challenges, Garrett’s story serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when people fall through the cracks.
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Blake Garrett, Former ‘How to Eat Fried Worms’ Child Actor, Dead at 33
Former Actor Blake Garrett Died At 33
Blake Garrett, ‘How to Eat Fried Worms’ Child Actor, Dies at 33