Former 'How to Eat Fried Worms' Child Actor Blake Garrett Found Dead in Sober Living Facility
LOS ANGELES, CA — Blake Garrett, a former child actor best known for his role in the 2006 family comedy How to Eat Fried Worms, has died. He was found unresponsive in a sober living home, according to law enforcement records obtained by media outlets. He was 34 years old.
According to investigative reports, emergency personnel responded to a call at a recovery residence where Garrett was residing. Responders discovered him unresponsive next to his bed. Investigators on the scene recovered several items indicative of potential drug use in close proximity to his body, including rolled-up dollar bills, a lighter, and aluminum foil containing burnt residue. While an official cause of death has not yet been formalized pending toxicology results, the circumstances have led authorities to investigate the incident as a suspected accidental overdose.
Garrett gained recognition in the mid-2000s for his performance in Walden Media’s film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s classic children’s novel, How to Eat Fried Worms. The film, which won a Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast, followed a group of young boys engaging in a high-stakes dare. While the movie helped launch the careers of several young performers, Garrett largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight in his later teen years, a transition that public records suggest was accompanied by personal struggles with substance abuse.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals navigating recovery. Sober living homes are designed to offer structured, drug-free environments for those transitioning back to independent living, but operators acknowledge that the risk of relapse remains a constant battle for residents. Local authorities have expressed condolences to Garrett's family, who have requested privacy as they grieve.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential support.