According to Deadline, actor Robert Blake has died at the age of 89. Blake’s niece Noreen Austin made the announcement.
According to Austin, he died peacefully at home with his family by his side due to ongoing heart problems (via Fox News).
For the past few years, he has been playing guitar, watching classic movies, and listening to jazz music.
Blake began a long and prosperous Hollywood career in the late 1930s.
In 1939, Blake made his acting debut in an uncredited part of “The Bridal Suite” at a young age. Among his more than 150 acting credits, his best-known roles were in In Cold Blood and Baretta, which propelled his career in the 1960s and 1970s.
During his career, Black was nominated for four Emmy Awards and won one for his work on “Baretta.” Blake starred in his last major role in the 1997 murder mystery “Lost Highway.”
Blake’s death puts him on the list of famous individuals who have already died.
While some mourn the loss of his long, illustrious career, many remember the horrific events that marked the last quarter of his life, particularly the horrific crime the former child actor was accused of.
Robert Blake’s life took a tragic turn in May 2001 with the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley, his second wife. “Crumpled up in the front seat,” Bakley was found dead in Blake’s car, according to LAPD Online. Bakley was 44 years old, 23 years younger than Blake, and had been married a total of 10 times. She was married to Blake for a year.
The world was shocked when Blake was arrested 11 months later and charged with Bakley’s murder, according to ABC News. Police spokesman Don Cox said at the time: “We can confirm that we have arrested Robert Blake in connection with the death of his wife.
Blake repeatedly disputed that he killed Bakley.
According to his official story, he left her in the car after dinner and returned to find her dead. Throughout the court case, including the year he was held until he posted $1.5 million bail, Blake stood by his version of events, according to CNN. In a 2003 interview with Barbara Walters, Blake said that Bakley’s death was caused by her upbringing.
According to Blake (via ABC News), “I feel in my heart that some man, 10, 15, maybe 20 years ago, because she was marrying them.” “I think she ruined a lot of lives. I think somebody saw her on TV whose life she ruined.”
Blake’s reputation was never restored even after he was found not guilty of murder on March 29, 2005.
Robert Blake’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous life and career. While his acting talent and contributions to Hollywood are undeniably significant, his later years were overshadowed by the tragic events surrounding his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley. The murder trial and subsequent public scrutiny left a stain on his legacy, despite his eventual acquittal.
Blake’s career, which began in his youth, was filled with iconic roles that left an indelible mark on film and television, especially with his memorable performances in *In Cold Blood* and *Baretta*. His Emmy win for *Baretta* is a testament to his acting ability and his impact on the industry remains part of his lasting influence.
However, his life outside of acting was marked by personal tragedy and legal battles that overshadowed his earlier achievements. The loss of Blake reminds us of the complexities of fame and the often tragic intersections of public life and personal turmoil. His story is both brilliant and controversial, and his death closes a remarkable but painful chapter in Hollywood history.