Having sudden fame and becoming a celebrity may seem like a dream to many, but it’s not always easy to live with the status of a ‘celebrity.’ Everything comes at you fast, and it’s not easy, especially for child stars.
Blake Heron is a tragic example of this.
Blake Heron was only 14 when he starred in the 1996 film “Shiloh.” He played the lead role as Marty Preston and became known as the cute little boy with his dog.
That same year, he won the prestigious Best Leading Young Actor award at the Young Artist Awards. This show is often referred to as the Oscars for children, and the award has been won by actors like Elijah Wood, Macaulay Culkin, and Haley Joel Osment.
After graduating in 2000, Blake Heron was offered roles in films such as “We Were Soldiers” and “Dandelion.” He also appeared in TV series like “NCIS: New Orleans” and “Criminal Minds.”
At that time, it seemed like Blake had a bright future ahead of him, but soon the dark side of fame took over.
‘Shiloh’ star Blake Heron’s death has been ruled an accidental overdose. https://t.co/koFc3FsCDW pic.twitter.com/ydip0gNs3F
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 8, 2018
The young actor spiraled into drug abuse, and soon that spiral became uncontrollable.
“I started using drugs when I was 12, smoking a joint, and drinking. But soon I started taking opioids too, and I lost everything. I lost my career, my money, my belongings, and above all, myself. It felt like I had lost my soul,” explained Blake in Spring 2017.
In the same video clip, Blake explained that he decided to get sober and climb out of his destructive lifestyle. In 2017, he appeared in the documentary “A thousand junkies,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
But in September 2017, the 35-year-old actor was found dead in his home.
“Shiloh” child star Blake Heron’s cause of death revealed https://t.co/V1nXZIvPpk pic.twitter.com/zbvpPzHH7L
— Yahoo Entertainment (@YahooEnt) February 9, 2018
TMZ reported that Blake had the flu and had been admitted to a detox facility a few days earlier.
However, the autopsy confirmed his tragic death. Blake couldn’t conquer his demons and succumbed to an overdose.
It was a tragic end to an addiction that the actor struggled with since his teenage years. Blake Heron is no more, but he will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
“I loved him so much, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. He was my husband, my partner, my best friend,” wrote his girlfriend Chanel Panagiotopoulos on Instagram.
What a tragic loss. Do you remember Blake Heron from Shiloh? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section and let’s remember this talented actor.
