Where is Robert Blake now? 'Robert Blake: Murder in the Family' tracks 'Baretta' actor accused of killing wife
Reelz's latest special takes another look at a case that brings Hollywood and true crime together. 'Robert Blake: Murder in the Family' takes a look at the controversial and still unsolved case of the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakely, who was shot in 2001, just a year into the couple's marriage. Blake was accused of hiring people to carry out the killing but was acquitted. However, he was found liable for her wrongful death.
Who is Robert Blake?
Robert Blake was born Michael Gubitosi in New Jersey on September 18, 1933. He started in the entertainment industry early, having appeared as a child actor in the 'Red Ryder' film franchise. Blake was allegedly abused by his alcoholic father and was physically and sexually abused by both his parents while growing up, according to Michael Newton in his book, 'Celebrities and 'Crime'.
Blake was also frequently locked in a closet and forced to eat off the floor as punishment. He ran away from home when he was 14 years old.
He began his acting career as Toto in MGM's 'Bridal Suite' in 1939 and went on to have roles in 'Our Gang', 'Dancing Romeo', 'The Big Noise', 'In Cold Blood' and 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'. He is best known for his role as the titular police detective, Tony Baretta in the TV series 'Baretta' that ran from 1975 to 1978. In the role, he was known for his signature phrases such as "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time," and "You can take that to the bank."
Marriage to Bonnie Lee Blakely and murder
Blake was first married to actress Sondra Kerr in 1961 and divorced in 1983. He then met Binnie Lee Blakely in 1999, who had reportedly exploited older men, especially celebrities for money. When Blake and Blakely met, she was dating Marlon Brando's son, Christian Brando.
When Blakely had a daughter in 2000, the child was initially claimed to be Brando's by Blakely, however, a paternity test revealed that Blake was the father, following which they got married in November 2000.
On May 4, 2001, Blakely was murdered when the couple went out for dinner, in the car that was parked on a side street around the corner from the restaurant. Blake said that he had gone back to the restaurant at the time to retrieve his pistol, which was proven not to be the murder weapon.
However, two retired stuntmen then came forward to claim that Blake had hired them to murder Blakely. Due to the lack of physical evidence tying Blake to the murder, he was acquitted of the charge in 2005. When Blakely's children filed a civil suit against Blake saying that he was responsible for their mother's death, a jury found him liable for the wrongful death of Blakely and was ordered to pay $30 million, later reduced to $15 million.
Where is Robert Blake now?
After the acquittal, Blake stayed away from the limelight. He reportedly filed for bankruptcy following debts of $3 million in unpaid legal fees as well as state and federal taxes. In 2010, California filed a tax lien against Blake for over $1.1 million in unpaid back taxes.
In 2012, Blake appeared on CNN's 'Piers Morgan Tonight'. However, when host Piers Morgan asked Blake about Blakely's murder, he got angry, saying that he resented the questioning and felt he was being interrogated.
In 2017, Blake married Pamela Hudak, who had been a friend of his for many years, having dated him previously. Hudak also testified on Blake's behalf during the murder trial. A year later, the couple filed for divorce. Blake has been seen even less following his divorce and his current whereabouts are unknown. However, it can be assumed that he is living in Los Angeles.
'Robert Blake: Murder in the Family' premieres on Reelz on Saturday, January 23, at 9/8c.