Robert Blake, the actor known for his roles in movies such as “In Cold Blood,” “Coast to Coast,” and “Lost Highway,” has passed away at the age of 89. Blake’s life was marked by controversy, particularly after he was found not guilty of killing his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. The cause of his death was heart disease, according to his niece Noreen Austin.
Born Michael James Gubitosi in Nutley, New Jersey on September 18, 1933, Blake’s parents were Giacomo (James) Gubitosi and Elizabeth Cafone. His parents were performers who sang and danced, and in 1936, the family began performing under the name “The Three Little Hillbillies.” In 1938, they moved to Los Angeles, where the children began working as extras in movies.
Blake began his acting career at the age of five when he was cast in a series of short comedies called “Our Gang.” He went on to appear in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, The Roy Rogers Show, Town Without Pity, and Lost Highway. However, his big break came in the 1970s when he played New York City detective Tony Baretta on the TV show Baretta. The show ran for four seasons from 1975 to 1978, and Blake received an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work on the show.
Blake had three marriages in his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Sondra Kerr in 1961, but they divorced in 1983 after more than 20 years of marriage. He then began dating Bonny Lee Bakley, whom he married in 2000. Bakley was killed in 2001, and Blake was arrested and charged with plotting her murder. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial and even after his acquittal.
Blake’s personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy, but he remained a respected actor throughout his career. His death is a loss to the entertainment industry, and he will be remembered for his contributions to film and television.