Who Is Blake Heron? ‘Shiloh,’ ‘Tom and Huck’ Actor Dies At 35

Former child star Blake Heron passed away on Friday, Sept. 8 at the age of 35.

A source told E! News that Heron was found dead inside his Los Angeles home in the morning. TMZ was first to report about the actor’s passing and said that his girlfriend contacted paramedics after she discovered that he was no longer breathing. They spent 40 minutes trying to revive Heron, but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

TMZ revealed that Heron just checked out of rehab a few days ago and was down with the flu. First responders did not find any evidence of alcohol or illegal drugs in his apartment, but flu medications were found.

Heron rose to fame after he starred in the 1996 movie, “Shiloh.” In the film, he played the lead role of Marty Preston, who was followed by a dog on his walk back home. He decided to name his Shiloh and asked his dad if they could keep him.

Unfortunately, Marty’s dad said that it would be best to return Shiloh to his rightful owner, and he did. But he soon realized that Shiloh is being abused and decided to hide him away in their backyard shed. Shiloh gets attacked by a stray dog while resting inside the shed so Marty was left with no other choice but to ask his dad for help.

Heron’s other film credits included a role in the 1995 hit, “Tom and Huck,” as Bud McNeight. Around the same time, he also landed a role in “Trilogy of Terror II” and “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher.” In 2000, he starred in “Cheaters.” He also appeared in the TV series, “Reality Check,” in 1995 and guest-starred in “Boston Public,” “Family Law” and “The Guardian,” according to Variety.

Meanwhile, Heron spoke with Dorri Olds about his heroin addiction. “I started doing drugs when I was 12, typical smoking weed at first and drinking and what not. It quickly progressed… and I lost everything. I lost my career, I lost all of my money, I lost possessions, and most importantly, I lost myself. I felt like a lost soul,” he said.