Robert Blake Dies: Actor In ‘Baretta’ And ‘In Cold Blood’ Was 89, Beat Real-Life Murder Rap

Controversial actor Robert Blake (born Michael James Gubitosi) died today in Los Angeles from heart disease, according to his niece, Noreen Austin. He was 89 years old.

Blake’s long career spanned everything from a childhood stint in “Our Gang” through films and television.

Over the course of 60+ years of working in Hollywood, Blake starred in classic films such as “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) alongside Humphrey Bogart, “In Cold Blood” (1967) with John Forsythe, as well as a range of studio Westerns using the stage name of “Bobby Blake” during the 1940s.  His final feature film role was in “Lost Highway” (1997) directed by David Lynch.

In television, Blake was best known for his role as streetwise New York City undercover detective Tony Baretta in “Baretta” that aired for four seasons on ABC from 1975 – 1978.  His portrayal in the crime drama show garnered him an Emmy Award For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1977. 

“Baretta” was created by prolific TV writer/creator Stephen J. Cannell.  On television, fans also watched Blake on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” where he was a recurring guest who appeared in funny skits with longtime friend Johnny Carson and other featured celebrities.

But there was also a darker side to the Blake story.

Bonny Lee Bakley — the second wife of Blake — was found dead outside of Vitello’s restaurant in the Valley in 2001.

Blake was charged with Bakley’s murder in 2002, along with solicitation of murder, conspiracy and special circumstances of lying in wait. But a jury found him not guilty of the crimes in 2005. And though Bakley’s children brought a wrongful-death suit against Blake shortly thereafter, her killing officially remains unsolved.

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

A private memorial service will be held to honor his life.  In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to City of Hope.