Robert Blake, 89
Most of Blake’s life was in front of the camera. As a child actor he was one of the members of the iconic shorts series the “Little Rascals,” starring as Mickey. His character appeared in the shorts toward the end of its run in the 1940s.
He then starred as Little Beaver in the Western movie franchise “Red Ryder,” which was based on the popular comic strip.
By the 1950s he made numerous guest spots on TV shows. Then in 1967 he had his breakout (as an adult actor) when he played murderer Perry Smith in the acclaimed adaptation of the Truman Capote true crime book, “In Cold Blood.”
Blake is known best for playing the lead in the mid 1970s TV series “Baretta,” in which he played a street-smart detective with a cockatoo for a pet named Fred. Blake would earn an Emmy for the role.
The actor is also known for his infamous private life as he was the face of a high profile court case after being charged with the 2001 murder of his wife. Blake was acquitted of the charge as well as one count of soliciting murder in a 2005 trial.
Blake died on March 9 due to heart disease, according to the Associated Press.