Robert Blake Excluded From Oscars “In Memoriam” Tribute

Charis May Bragas

Robert's name and contribution to the industry were conspicuously missing in the Oscars "In Memoriam" tribute.

Robert Blake collected several notable credits as a professional actor over more than 60 years, including 1967’s “In Cold Blood” and David Lynch’s 1997 feature “Lost Highway,” the actor’s final screen credit.

Some prominent names in the homage were Kirstie Alley, Olivia Newton-John, and Robbie Coltrane… but no Robert. He died on Thursday at 89 from heart illness… so the award show’s producers had time to weave him into the ceremony if they wished, but they did not. 

In an unsurprising turn of events, Robert Blake, the late actor, was accused of the shooting death of his second wife. Bonny Lee Bakley, Robert Blake’s second wife, was found killed in the San Fernando Valley in 2001. The actor was acquitted of murder charges in the case in 2005. Afterward, he lost a legal claim brought by Bakley’s children.

Robert Blake wrote his memoir “Stories of a Rascal: What I Done for Love” in 2011. In a 2012 CNN interview with Piers Morgan to promote the book, he accused Morgan of branding him a “liar” when asked about Bakley’s death. He insisted that he was innocent of any wrongdoing in connection with the death of his wife.

Jimmy Kimmel did not shy away from making jokes about sensitive subjects during the program for the 2023 Academy Awards that took place on Sunday, including the recent passing of actor Robert Blake.

The late-night host jokingly announced, “Everybody, please get out your phones, even at home; it’s time to vote,” He told the audience, “If you think Robert Blake should be part of the In Memoriam montage, text ‘GIMME-A-Blake’ to the number on your screen, or to any number.”

“Text that to your mother if you like. Message and data rates may apply,” the host continued, eliciting laughter from those in attendance.

On Thursday, Blake’s niece Noreen Austin issued a statement confirming the news of his passing and revealing that the actor passed away due to heart disease. She told PEOPLE that he was at home in Los Angeles with his family at the time of his passing.

According to a statement released by his family, Robert Blake spent his final years in a peaceful neighborhood in Los Angeles. Donations to the City of Hope are asked for in place of flowers from his family.

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