The news of Blake Garrett’s death has struck a particularly emotional chord for those who grew up in the mid-2000s, when family comedies played endlessly on television and DVDs. Garrett, born Nolan Blake Garrett, passed away on Sunday, February 8, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 33. His mother, Carol Garrett, confirmed the loss and shared that the family is awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause of death.
For many fans, Garrett will always be remembered as Plug from How to Eat Fried Worms, the 2006 film adaptation of the popular children’s book. The movie’s offbeat humor and gross-out challenges made it a staple of childhood for a generation, and Plug’s chaotic yet lovable energy stood out. The young cast’s chemistry earned them a Young Artist Award, and Garrett’s performance became a lasting nostalgic marker for viewers who grew up with the film.
Long before Hollywood recognition, Garrett was already performing on stage. Raised in Austin, Texas, he appeared in numerous local theater productions, including Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Grease. At just ten years old, he toured internationally with Barney’s Colorful World, a milestone that highlighted his early talent and dedication to performing.
In his later years, Garrett lived in Oklahoma and focused on rebuilding his life. His mother shared that he had been sober for three years and was deeply proud of that accomplishment. He had recently been treated for shingles and was experiencing severe pain, raising concerns that his passing may have been a tragic accident, though nothing has been confirmed. What remains clear is the quiet strength he showed in recent years—working toward stability, healing, and a better future. His death is a sobering reminder that the faces from our childhood memories carried real lives beyond the screen, full of struggle, growth, and hope.
