Robert Blake passed away on March 9 at the age of 89. The veteran actor was a recipient of an Emmy Award and had a long and successful career in showbiz. His death is seen as the end of an era in Hollywood. He was one of the first child actors to successfully transitioned into mature roles as an adult.
It’s important to take a closer look at Blake’s life (which was marred with controversies) and long career to grasp the impact of his death. So let’s find out more about his life, career, and the eventual cause of his tragic death. Keep on reading to know more about him.
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Life And Career Of Robert Blake
Born on September 18, 1933, in Nutley, New Jersey to Giacomo (James) Gubitosi and Elizabeth Cafone. In 1938, his family moved to Los Angeles where they started working as an extra.
In 1956, his abusive father died by suicide. Blake ran away from home at the age of 14 and worked as a child actor in the short film series ‘Our Gang’ between 1939 to 1944. He also worked for the Army for a brief period of time.
Blake’s career derailed after he was accused of murdering his second wife Bonnie Lee Bakley in 2001. Four years later, he was tried and acquitted in the case after spending one year in jail. During the trial, it was revealed that Bonnie was a con artist who had multiple identities and was married multiple times before Blake.
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How Did He Die?
On March 9, 2023, Blake passed away at the age of 89 in Los Angeles. Noreen Austin, his niece confirmed that the actor died after a long battle with heart-related problems.
After the verdict in his wife’s murder was out, Blake said to the reporters: “If you want to know how to go through $10 million in five years, ask me how”. He added, “I was a rich man. I’m broke now.”
“God just kind of said, ‘Robert, sit quiet. Be patient, be patient. Let this mob mentality wear itself out. Because it just isn’t true. And if you sit still and be quiet and wait long enough, the truth does come out,’” Blake said.
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