Robert Blake

Robert Blake was an American actor known for his work as a child performer and for later roles in film and television, especially *In Cold Blood* and the TV series *Baretta*.

Robert Blake was an American actor known for his work as a child performer and for later roles in film and television, especially *In Cold Blood* and the TV series *Baretta*. He won an Emmy Award for *Baretta* and was also known for the legal case surrounding the 2001 killing of his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. He died in 2023 at age 89.

Early life and career

Blake was born in Nutley, New Jersey, and began performing as a child under his birth name, Michael Gubitosi. His early career included film work and appearances in long-running child-actor productions, such as the *Our Gang* series and the *Red Ryder* film franchise.

Breakthrough roles

Blake received major attention for *In Cold Blood* (1967), in which he played Perry Smith, earning critical recognition. He later starred as Detective Tony Baretta in the television series *Baretta* (1975–1978), for which he won an Emmy Award. These roles became the best-known parts of his career.

Later career and retirement

Blake continued acting in film and television through the 1990s. His final film role was the Mystery Man in David Lynch’s *Lost Highway* (1997). He left acting after that period.

Legal controversy

In 2002, Blake was arrested in connection with the 2001 murder of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. He was tried and acquitted in criminal court in 2005. However, a civil court later found him liable for Bakley’s wrongful death.