Actor Robert Blake has passed away at 89, according to Deadline. His niece, Noreen Austin, shared the news. He died quietly at home with family due to ongoing heart problems, and had spent recent years watching old films, playing guitar, and listening to jazz music.
Blake had a long and successful Hollywood career starting in the late 1930s. He first appeared as a child in a 1939 film and is best known for his roles in “In Cold Blood” and “Baretta” during the ’60s and ’70s. Over his career, he earned nearly 150 acting credits.
Robert Blake received four Emmy nominations during his career and won one for his role in “Baretta.” His last major acting role was in the 1997 film “Lost Highway.”
Blake’s passing adds him to the list of famous people who have died. While some people are remembering his impressive career, others are reflecting on the troubling events of his later life, especially the serious crime he was accused of.
Blake’s life took a dark turn in May 2001 when his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, was found dead in his car. Bakley, who was 44 and had been married 10 times, was discovered slumped in the front seat. Blake was charged with her murder and arrested 11 months later, which shocked many. Police confirmed at the time that they had detained Blake in connection with Bakley’s death.
Blake has always denied killing Bakley. He claims that after they had dinner, he left her in the car, and when he returned, he found her dead. Throughout the court case and his year in jail before posting a $1.5 million bond, Blake kept telling his side of the story. In a 2003 interview with Barbara Walters, he suggested that Bakley’s past might have led to her death, saying he believed someone from her past who was hurt by her might have been responsible.
On March 29, 2005, Blake was found not guilty of the murder. However, his reputation was never fully restored.
