Robert Blake of ‘Baretta’ fame dies aged 89

Actor Robert Blake, best known for playing detective Tony Baretta in the series ‘Baretta’, died this Thursday (9) at the age of 89.

According to her granddaughter, Noreen Austin, Blake suffered a heart attack and couldn’t resist.

Career

Robert Blake (born Michael James Gubitosi) began his career at the age of five in “Our Gang”. In over 60 years of career in Hollywood, the actor made his film debut in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, 1948, with Humpfrey Bogart, and “In Cold Blood” (1967), with John Forsythe.

He also starred in several Westerns under the stage name “Bobby Blake” in the 1940s. His last feature film was “Lost Highway” (1997), directed by David Lynch.

Already on TV, Blake gained notoriety for playing New York detective Tony Baretta in ‘Baretta’. The series ran for four seasons, from 1975 to 1978, on ABC. His performance earned him an Emmy in 1977 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

In addition to starring with his character in Stephen J. Cannell’s creation, Blake reprized Baretta on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson,” serving as a recurring guest star, appearing in comedy skits with his longtime friend, Johnny Carson, and other celebrities. .

The actor was also known for starring in commercials for the Eveready drum kit, when he dared someone to drop it off his shoulder.

Controversial and dark side

However, Blake’s life was troubled. In 2001, the actor’s second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, was found dead outside a restaurant. Blake was convicted of killing her and arrested in 2002, as well as conspiring against the investigation and lying.

However, in 2005, during his three-month trial, the jury cleared him of all charges. After the verdict, Blake cried on his lawyer’s shoulder.

His sons did not believe their father’s innocence and opened a new manslaughter case, but Bonny’s murder remains, to this day, for the police, unsolved.

case details

Ms. Bakley was 44 when she was shot and killed twice in the head while in her car shortly after having lunch with the actor. Blake claimed he took her to the vehicle but returned to the restaurant to get her gun, which he had left there. He further stated that he had already found her injured.

However, during the trial, it became clear that their marriage was not going well. Bakley’s wife had at least a dozen aliases and ten ex-husbands.

The defense alleged that she trapped Robert in a loveless marriage by becoming pregnant with their child. Thus, Blake’s plea, referring to his wife as a “sow,” was established. But the jury did not believe his testimony due to his history of drug abuse.

The judge ordered Blake to return his passport and $1.5 million bail.

In his later years, Blake wrote his memoir, “The Life of a Rascal,” and lived quietly in the Los Angeles area, enjoying jazz, playing guitar, reading poetry, and watching classic Hollywood movies.

A private memorial will be held to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the City of Hope.

With information from expiration

Featured image: ABC Television

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Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.