With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of this iconic and beloved actor.
|Actor Robert Blake has passed away at the age of 89, according to Deadline. His niece, Noreen Austin, confirmed the news, stating that Blake died peacefully at home surrounded by family after struggling with ongoing heart issues (via Fox News). In his later years, Blake spent his time enjoying old films, playing his guitar, and listening to jazz.
Blake’s career in Hollywood began in the late 1930s, with his first uncredited appearance in *Bridal Suite* (1939) as a young child. Over the years, he accumulated nearly 150 acting credits, with his most notable roles being in *In Cold Blood* and the hit TV series *Baretta*, which propelled his career throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of this legendary actor. Blake received four Emmy nominations during his career, winning one for his work on *Baretta*. His final dramatic role came in the 1997 film *Lost Highway*.
While Blake’s talent and achievements are being remembered, his life also had a tragic chapter. In 2001, his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, was found murdered in Blake’s car. Their tumultuous relationship, marked by Bakley’s controversial past and Blake’s arrest for her murder 11 months later, shocked the world. Blake, who always maintained his innocence, claimed that he had left her in the car after dinner and returned to find her dead. After a long legal battle and a year in jail before posting a $1.5 million bond, Blake was ultimately acquitted of murder charges in 2005, though the accusations left an indelible mark on his life and career.
Despite the scandal, Blake’s contribution to Hollywood remains significant, and his legacy as an actor endures. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure whose talent and life captivated audiences for decades.