It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of this legendary actor
Robert Blake Passes Away at 89, Leaving Behind a Legacy Marred by Triumph and Tragedy
Renowned actor Robert Blake has passed away at the age of 89, his niece Noreen Austin confirmed to Deadline.
Blake, who had battled ongoing cardiac issues, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, according to Austin (via Fox News). In recent years, he spent much of his time watching old films, playing his guitar, and listening to jazz, embracing a quieter life away from the spotlight.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Blake’s career in Hollywood began in the late 1930s, making his first uncredited appearance as a child actor in Bridal Suite (1939). He would go on to amass nearly 150 acting credits, with standout performances in In Cold Blood (1967) and Baretta (1975-1978), roles that cemented his place in the entertainment industry through the ’60s and ’70s.
Over the course of his career, Blake earned four Emmy nominations, winning one for his portrayal of the street-smart detective in Baretta. His final major film role was in David Lynch’s psychological thriller Lost Highway (1997), a haunting performance that would prove to be his last before his life took a dramatic and tragic turn.
A Life Overshadowed by Controversy
Despite his celebrated career, Blake’s later years were dominated by scandal, particularly surrounding the murder of his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, in May 2001.
Bakley, 44 years old at the time, was found shot to death, slumped in the front seat of Blake’s car outside a Los Angeles restaurant. Their tumultuous marriage, which lasted just one year, had already been the subject of public scrutiny—Bakley had been married ten times before, and her relationship with Blake had been complicated by allegations of deception and manipulation.
In a shocking development, Blake was arrested for Bakley’s murder 11 months later, a moment that stunned Hollywood and his fans alike. “We are confirming that we have detained Robert Blake in connection with the death of his wife,” said LAPD spokesman Officer Don Cox at the time.
Blake vehemently denied any involvement, maintaining that he had left Bakley in the car after dinner and returned to find her dead. Throughout his trial, he insisted he had no knowledge of who may have wanted to harm her.
“In my heart, I feel that some man, 10, 15, maybe 20 years ago… because she used to get married to them,” Blake said in a 2003 interview with Barbara Walters (via ABC News). “She, in my opinion, ruined a lot of lives. I believe that one person whose life she devastated watched her on television.”
On March 29, 2005, after a high-profile trial, Blake was acquitted of the murder charge, but the damage to his reputation was irreversible. Though legally cleared, he would never escape the dark cloud of suspicion that lingered over his name.
A Complex Legacy
Robert Blake’s death adds his name to the long list of Hollywood figures whose legacies are intertwined with both extraordinary talent and personal controversy. While his performances in In Cold Blood and Baretta remain unforgettable, for many, his name will always be tied to one of Hollywood’s most infamous murder trials.
As the world remembers his legendary yet troubled life, Blake’s passing marks the final chapter in a story of stardom, scandal, and unanswered questions.