Robert Blake, originally named Michael James Gubitosi and known earlier as Mickey Gubitosi and Bobby Blake, was a prominent American actor. His most acclaimed roles include the 1967 movie “In Cold Blood,” the titular character in the 1970s TV series “Baretta,” and the Mystery Man in the 1997 movie “Lost Highway.”
Blake’s acting journey began in the 1930s as a child, performing with his family in music and dance before rising to fame as a child actor. He was notably part of the “Our Gang” (Little Rascals) shorts by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1939 to 1944 and took part in 22 Red Ryder films. Often, due to his Italian-American background, Blake was cast as an American Indian or Latino character, both as a child and in his adult roles.
After serving in the U.S. Army, he resumed his acting career in both TV and films, continuing until his role in “Lost Highway” in 1997. Blake’s transition from a child actor to adult roles marked him as one of Hollywood’s longest-standing careers, according to author Michael Newton.
However, Blake’s later life was overshadowed by controversy. In 2002, he was arrested and charged with the murder of his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001. Although acquitted in criminal court in 2005, a civil court later found him liable for her wrongful death.
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Table of Contents
Robert Blake’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2023, Robert Blake’s net worth stood at -$3 million, a stark contrast to his previous fortunes, primarily eroded by legal expenses and settlements from a wrongful death lawsuit.
Early Life
Blake’s childhood was marred by unhappiness, largely due to an alcoholic father who sexually abused him. At the age of 10, his entry into public school was troubled by fights with other students, resulting in his expulsion. He described his upbringing as physically challenging, often being locked in a closet and subjected to force-feeding. At 14, he fled from home, which began a series of tough years. His father committed suicide in 1956.
Known initially as “Mickey Gubitosi,” Blake debuted in MGM’s Bridal Suite (1939). He joined the Our Gang shorts, appearing in 40 episodes from 1939 to 1944, and faced criticism for his acting. By 1942, he was “Bobby Blake” and led the series until it ended in 1944.
Blake received a lifetime achievement award from the Young Artist Foundation in 1995 for his role in Our Gang. He played “Little Beaver” in the Red Ryder series from 1944 to 1947 and appeared in films like The Big Noise (1944), Humoresque (1946), and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). In 1950, he acted in The Black Rose and had an uncredited role in Black Hand.
Career
Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1950, Robert Blake struggled with unemployment and depression after leaving at 21, leading to a brief drug addiction. He turned his life around by enrolling in Jeff Corey’s acting class, marking the start of a successful acting career. Known for turning down the role of Little Joe Cartwright in “Bonanza,” Blake instead made notable appearances in series like “26 Men,” “The Cisco Kid,” and “Have Gun Will Travel,” alongside roles in films such as “The Purple Gang” and “Town Without Pity.”
Blake’s acting prowess was further recognized in “In Cold Blood” (1967), playing murderer Perry Smith, a role that earned the film two Oscar nominations. His career continued to flourish with his Emmy Award-winning performance as Tony Baretta in “Baretta” (1975-1978), a role that became iconic for its catchphrases and Blake’s portrayal of a street-wise detective. Despite the show’s end, Blake continued to work in television and film, including the lead in “Electra Glide in Blue” and parts in “Money Train” and “Lost Highway.
Personal life
Robert Blake married Sondra Kerr in 1961, marking his first marriage, which lasted until 1983, and produced two children: Noah Blake (born in 1965) and Delinah Blake (born in 1966). Years later, in 1999, Blake encountered Bonny Lee Bakley, a woman from Wharton, New Jersey, with a history of marrying multiple times and allegedly exploiting older, famous men for financial gain.
At the time, Bakley was involved with both Christian Brando, Marlon Brando’s son, and Blake, eventually becoming pregnant. She initially claimed Brando was the father, but after Blake demanded a DNA test, it confirmed his paternity. The couple married on November 19, 2000, making Bakley Blake’s tenth wife. Following the paternity confirmation, their child was renamed Rose Lenore Sophia Blake. Blake and Bakley’s marriage ended with her murder on May 4, 2001, after which their daughter Rose was cared for by Blake’s daughter, Delilah.
In March 2016, Blake, then 82, revealed he was in a new relationship, though he didn’t name his partner. By 2017, he was engaged to Pamela Hudak, a long-time acquaintance who had supported him during his trial. However, their marriage ended in divorce when Blake filed for separation on December 7, 2018.
What Is Robert Blake Cause Of Death?
Robert Blake passed away from heart disease in Los Angeles on March 9, 2023, at age 89. Following his death, Jimmy Kimmel commented at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, humorously suggesting viewers vote via text on whether Blake should be included in the “In Memoriam” montage, using the phrase “GIMME-A-Blake.” Ultimately, Blake was not featured in the televised “In Memoriam” segment of the awards ceremony.
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Conclusion
Robert Blake’s life story is a testament to the highs and lows of Hollywood fame, from significant financial success to deep controversies and legal woes that ultimately impacted his net worth and personal life profoundly.
FAQs about Robert Blake Net Worth
- What led to Robert Blake’s financial downfall?
- Blake’s financial downfall was largely due to legal expenses and the wrongful death lawsuit settlement related to the murder charges of his wife.
- How did Robert Blake’s acting career begin?
- His career began as a child actor in “Bridal Suite” and “Our Gang,” eventually leading to significant roles in film and television.
- What was the outcome of the legal issues surrounding Robert Blake?
- Although acquitted of murder charges, Blake was found liable in a civil court for wrongful death, resulting in a substantial financial settlement.
- What was Robert Blake’s net worth at the time of his death?
- Blake’s net worth was estimated at -$3 million due to his accumulated debts and legal liabilities.
- Did Robert Blake attempt a comeback to acting?
- Despite considering a return to acting, Blake announced at 85 that he felt “half-dead” and decided against returning to Hollywood.
