Robert Blake Biography, Wiki, Early Life, Career, Net Worth, Death

Born on September 18, 1933, in Nutley, New Jersey, USA, Michael James Vincenzo Gubitosi, popularly known as Robert Blake, was an American actor. He rose to fame after featuring in some popular TV shows and movies in the 1960s and 1970s, most notably "In Cold Blood" in 1967 and the 1970s series "Baretta."

Early life

Robert Blake was born on September 18, 1933, in Nutley, New Jersey, USA, to Elizabeth Cafone, a seamstress, and Giacomo Gubitosi, a die setter. Both parents bore three other children, Giovanna, Melody, and James, whom Robert Blake grew up with in Brooklyn, New York, USA. In 1983, they all moved to Los Angeles, California, where Robert Blake and his siblings started working as movie extras.

Robert Blake was known to be a troublesome child who often broke the law. On one occasion, he was taken to a juvenile detention center after getting arrested for stealing. 

Career

Early acting roles

Robert Blake began his own acting career at the age of six, when he was cast in the Our Gang comedy series. He later went on to appear in 40 Our Gang episodes between 1939 and 1944, playing the character of Mickey.

 

After leaving the Our Gang series, Blake continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in supporting roles in several films, including "The Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "Pork Chop Hill" (1959), and "In Cold Blood" (1967). He also had guest roles on various TV series, such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

One of Blake's most notable early roles was in the 1967 film "Electra Glide in Blue." In the film, he played a motorcycle cop who aspires to become a detective. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its visual style and Blake's performance.

Breakthrough role in “In Cold Blood”

Despite his extensive acting experience, it was Blake's role in the 1967 film "In Cold Blood" that brought him critical acclaim and recognition. The film, directed by Richard Brooks, was based on the true story of the brutal murder of a Kansas family in 1959. Blake played Perry Smith, one of the two killers who committed the crime. His performance was widely praised, and he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Blake's portrayal of Perry Smith was praised for its intensity and authenticity. He worked closely with director Richard Brooks and Truman Capote, who wrote the book on which the film was based, to accurately portray the character. Blake spent several weeks living with the real-life Perry Smith's sister and brother-in-law to gain insight into his character's background and motivations.

Despite the critical acclaim for his performance, Blake did not win the Oscar for Best Actor. However, the role established him as a serious actor with the ability to deliver powerful and nuanced performances.

“Baretta” and late career

Afrer "In Cold Blood," Blake continued to work in film and television. He appeared in several notable films, including "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here" (1969), "Revolver" (1973), and "Coast to Coast" (1980). He also had guest roles on various TV shows, such as "The Streets of San Francisco" and "The Rockford Files."

However, it was his role in the television series "Baretta" that brought him mainstream success and made him a household name. The series aired from 1975 to 1978 and featured Blake as Tony Baretta, a streetwise detective in the Los Angeles Police Department. The show was popular for its gritty portrayal of crime and its catchy theme song, "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow."

Personal struggles and controversies

Drug addiction

Robert Blake struggled with drug addiction throughout his adult life, which he claims began when he was prescribed pain medication after being injured on a film set. He has admitted to using cocaine, marijuana, and heroin in the past and has stated that his addiction was a contributing factor in the breakdown of his first marriage.

Second marriage and murder trial

In 1999, Robert Blake married Bonnie Lee Bakley, a woman with a history of criminal activity and multiple marriages. Bakley had a daughter, Rose, whom Blake later adopted. Bakley was murdered in May 2001, and Blake was soon named a suspect in her death.

Blake was arrested and charged with Bakley's murder in April 2002. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Blake had hired someone to kill Bakley, while Blake maintained his innocence. In March 2005, Blake was acquitted of the murder charge, but the case continues to be a source of controversy and speculation.

Financial troubles

Robert Blak also had financial troubles throughout his career, with reports of unpaid taxes and debt. In 1999, he filed for bankruptcy, claiming that he had debts of over $11 million. Blake had stated that his financial troubles are a result of his ex-wives' spending habits and his own mismanagement of his finances.

Death

On March 9, 2023, Robert Blake died from heart disease at the age of 89. 

Robert Blake age

Robert Blake was 89 years old when he died.

When did Robert Blake die?

Robert Blake died on the 9th of March, 2023.

Robert Blake net worth

Robert Blake had a net worth of around $3 million.

Robert Blake movies

Some of Robert Blake's movies include "Revolver," "Coast to Coast," "Baretta," "In Cold Blood," "The Blackboard Jungle," "Pork Chop Hill," and "Electra Glide In Blue."