The actor died from heart disease at his residence in Los Angeles on Thursday, according to a statement released by his niece Noreen Austin. Blake, who began his career as a child actor, was most recognised for his Emmy-winning performance as the titular undercover cop on the TV series Baretta in the 1970s as well as roles in Lost Highway, In Cold Blood and Judgment Day: The John List Story. However, his career never recovered following the death of his wife Bonny Lee Bakley in May 2001.