ROBERT Blake, who starred in Baretta & Lost Highway has died aged 89 from heart disease on Thursday, according to his niece.
The controversial actor was tried and acquitted for the death of his wife after she was found dead outside of an Italian restaurant.
Robert Blake got his start as a child acting in Our Gang, also known as Little Rascals, from 1939 to 1944.
The actor would go on to star in dozens of films and television programs throughout his career.
One of his most notable roles was as an ex-convict in the 1967 film adaptation of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood.
Read our Robert Blake blog below for the latest news…
- Louis Allwood
What awards did Robert Blake receive?
Robert Blake received multiple awards including a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1975 for his portrayal of Tony Baretta.
In 1993, Blake won another Emmy as the title character in, Judgment Day: the John List Story, portraying a soft-spoken, churchgoing man who murdered his wife and three children.
He also was awarded a Golden Globe award for best actor in a television series drama.
- Louis Allwood
Pictured: Robert Blake on trial
- Louis Allwood
Pictured: Robert Blake on trial
- Louis Allwood
Tributes flood in
One fan said: "May he Rest in Peace . My condolences."
A second added: "May he RIP. I grew up watching Barreta among his many movies. Great actor, let’s remember that."
A third commented: "A checkered life to be sure, but a dynamic film actor."
- Louis Allwood
What was Robert's original name?
Robert Blake was born Michael James Gubitosi on September 18, 1933 in New Jersey.
His father was listed as James Gubitosi on his birth certificate, but Blake would later learn that his biological father was actually James' brother, his Uncle Tony.
His biological dad had an affair with his mother.
Blake previously said as a child he received little affection at home
- Louis Allwood
Fans pay tribute to star's career
Taking to social media fans have paid tribute to the actor following his death.
One fan said: "As a kid he worked with Laurel and Hardy, Jack Benny, and was in Our Gang.
"As an adult he was in great films and did great TV. Things got really messed up after that. He has died at 89 and so I'm celebrating his work, which was consistently good. RIP"
A second added: "RIP Robert Blake, a fine, underrated actor."
- Louis Allwood
'Blake cemented his place in movie history'
Alec Baldwin has praised Robert Blake for his acting career, claiming he "cemented his place in movie history".
Alec Baldwin said: "A child actor who made countless films in the 40’s (he sold Bogie the winning lottery ticket in THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE), he went on to star in films like A TOWN WITHOUT PITY and ELECTRA GLIDE IN BLUE. His tv series BARETTA was a hit for ABC, with Baretta’s cockatoo Fred as his sidekick.
"But it was in the film IN COLD BLOOD, directed by Richard Brooks (CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, ELMER GANTRY, LOOKING FOR MR GOODBAR) that Blake cemented his place in movie history. Blake and Scott Wilson give two of the greatest performances of all time in the film based upon Truman Capote’s novel.
"The film was shot in black and white by Conrad Hall ( COOL HAND LUKE, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, MARATHON MAN) and edited by Peter Zinner (LORD JIM, THE GODFATHER 1 and 2, THE DEER HUNTER) The music is by Quincy Jones."
- Louis Allwood
Alec Baldwin's full tribute
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- Louis Allwood
Alec Baldwin pays tribute
Alec Baldwin has paid tribute to Robert Blake.
He said: "Robert Blake has died.
"I realize that many people have had harsh feelings toward him.
"His life seemed to involve many dramatic legal entanglements.
"Today, I want remember him as the incredibly gifted actor he was."
- Louis Allwood
What did Robert's daughter say about the case?
Robert Blake's daughter, Rose Lenore Blake claimed it was "useless" to have an opinion on her dad's case.
Speaking to PEOPLE in 2019, she said: "It feels useless to have an opinion about it.
"Say he did it or he didn't do it—what's the point of knowing that, other than to just trouble myself?
"I think it's better to just see both sides for what they are and not try to overwhelm myself. It's complicated."
- Louis Allwood
How long did the trial last?
The highly publicized trial went on for three months, and the court saw Blake break down into sobs when he was finally acquitted.
After the trial, Blake retired to a quiet life in Los Angeles and wrote his memoir The Life of a Rascal.
- Louis Allwood
What was said in court at Robert's trial?
Prosecuting attorneys argued that he hated his killed wife after believing that she trapped him into marriage after getting pregnant.
They alleged he wished to raise their daughter Rosie by himself.
Blake claimed that his wife was waiting for him in the car when he returned to grab a gun that he kept for protection.
The defense argued in court that several people wanted Bakely dead who was described as a grifter.
Apparently, the killed woman promised men sex and marriage to get what she wanted.
She was on probation for fraud when the two wed.
- Louis Allwood
Robert was acquitted for the death of his wife
The lines between his work and reality would blur when Blake's second wife Bonny Lee Bakely was found dead outside of an Italian restaurant in Burbank, California, in 2001.
She was gunned down inside Blakes's car right after the two had dinner, the AP reported at the time.
The following year, the actor was charged with her murder.
A criminal trial was launched, but 12 jurors decided that he was not guilty.
- Louis Allwood
What films did Robert star in?
One of his most notable roles was as an ex-convict in the 1967 film adaptation of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood.
Blakes's final film would be David Lynch's Lost Highway in 1997 which follows a man who is shocked to learn he has been accused of murdering his wife.
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