Robert Carradine, the beloved actor best known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at age 71, according to his family. His daughter, Ever Carradine, confirmed to the New York Times that Robert Carradine died by suicide after a private battle with bipolar disorder that spanned nearly two decades.
The Carradine family released a statement expressing their profound grief while highlighting Robert’s struggle with mental illness. “We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder,” the family stated. They emphasized their hope that sharing his story would help address the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
Robert Carradine’s Acting Career and Legacy
Born into a prominent entertainment family, Robert Carradine followed in the footsteps of his father, John Carradine, a character actor known for westerns and horror films. However, Robert initially aspired to become a race-car driver rather than pursue acting. His film debut came in 1972’s The Cowboys alongside John Wayne, which sparked his passion for performance while maintaining his love for racing through the early 2000s.
Carradine achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and its sequels. The role became iconic in 1980s comedy cinema and established him as a talented comedic actor. Additionally, he became a familiar face to a new generation of viewers through his work on television.
Disney Channel Success with Lizzie McGuire
Robert Carradine reached another career peak playing Sam McGuire, the lovably goofy father in the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire alongside Hilary Duff. The show ran successfully and made him a household name among young audiences. He briefly reprised the role for a planned Hulu reboot that was ultimately canceled, though he did reunite with the cast for a virtual table read in 2020.
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from his Lizzie McGuire co-stars following the news of his death. Hilary Duff remembered Carradine with kindness, calling him an “old friend” on social media. Lalaine, who played Duff’s best friend on the series, shared an emotional message expressing gratitude for their time together and his “constant fatherly like support.”
Family Addresses Mental Health Awareness
Robert’s older brother Keith Carradine spoke to Deadline about the importance of acknowledging mental illness without shame. “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith stated. He celebrated his brother’s profound talent and beautiful soul while recognizing the illness that ultimately claimed his life.
The family’s openness about Robert Carradine’s bipolar disorder represents an effort to reduce stigma and encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help. According to the family statement, they hope his journey can “shine a light” on mental health challenges. Their willingness to discuss these issues publicly demonstrates the ongoing need for mental health advocacy and support.
In contrast to the public nature of his career, Robert Carradine kept his mental health struggles private for years. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing gratitude for the understanding and compassion from fans and colleagues. The entertainment community continues to mourn the loss of an actor whose work spanned generations and brought joy to countless viewers.
The family has not announced plans for memorial services or other public tributes at this time. Mental health resources remain available for those in crisis, with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline accessible by dialing 988.
