Robert Blake, a former child actor turned successful adult actor, has always been familiar with fame and achievement. Growing up in a family of vaudeville performers, he was introduced to the world of show business at a young age. With his natural talent and confidence on stage, he quickly gained recognition and was chosen by MGM to star in the popular comedy series ‘Our Gang’ at the tender age of five. Despite his adorable appearance and charm, Robert’s childhood was marred by the abuse he suffered at the hands of his alcoholic father. Determined to escape his troubled past, he ran away from home as a teenager and pursued a career in acting. After years of struggle, he achieved success in both television and film, earning numerous awards for his performances. However, his past traumas resurfaced when he was accused of murdering his wife, although he was later acquitted. Unfortunately, this ordeal left him financially devastated.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Michael James Gubitosi
- Age: 90 Years, 90 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Bonny Lee Bakley, Sondra Blake
- Father: Giacomo (James) Gubitosi
- Mother: Elizabeth Cafone
- Children: Delinah Blake, Noah Blake, Rose Lenore Sophia Blake
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
- Ancestry: Italian American
- U.S. State: New Jersey
Childhood & Early Life
Mickey Blake, originally named Michael James Vincenzo Gubitosi, was born in New Jersey to Elizabeth Cafone and Giacomo Gubitosi. He had two siblings. His parents were vaudeville performers and he and his siblings also appeared in their acts. Unfortunately, his childhood was troubled as he was physically abused and tortured by his father. The family eventually moved to Los Angeles where the children began working as movie extras.
Career
Mickey Blake’s acting career began at the age of five when he made his film debut in the MGM movie “Bridal Suite.” He was then chosen by MGM to appear in their comedy series “Our Gang” and became the series’ leading actor. He later acquired the stage name Bobby Blake and continued to act in various films, including “Andy Hardy’s Double Life” and the Red Ryder Western series. In 1967, he gave a memorable performance as the killer Perry Smith in “In Cold Blood,” which solidified his position as a character actor in Hollywood. He also gained popularity for his role as Detective Anthony Baretta in the television series “Baretta.”
Major Works
One of Mickey Blake’s major successes as a child actor was playing the role of “Little Beaver” in the Red Ryder Western series. He also gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Detective Anthony Baretta in the television series “Baretta,” which ran from 1975 to 1978.
Awards & Achievements
Mickey Blake won an Emmy Award for his role as Anthony Baretta in the television series “Baretta.” He was also presented with the Former Child Star “Lifetime Achievement” Award for his role in “Our Gang” by the Young Artist Foundation in 1995.
Personal Life & Legacy
Mickey Blake married actress Sondra Kerr in 1961 and they had three children before divorcing in 1983. In 1999, he had an affair with Bonnie Lee Bakley, resulting in her pregnancy and their subsequent marriage. However, Blake resented Bakley and she was tragically shot to death in 2001. Blake was the prime suspect but was acquitted of murder charges in 2005. He was found liable for her wrongful death in a civil court and was ordered to pay $30 million to Bakley’s children. Blake filed for bankruptcy as a result.