Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Carradine, the veteran actor best known for his roles in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. Carradine passed away at the age of 71, with his family confirming that he died by suicide after a long battle with bipolar disorder.
Family Statement
In a statement, the Carradine family described Robert as “a beacon of light to everyone around him.” They acknowledged his nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness,” the family said.
His brother, actor Keith Carradine, added: “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Born in 1954 to actress Sonia Soreland and actor John Carradine, Robert grew up in a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. He began his career in the 1970s with appearances on Bonanza and Kung Fu, which starred his brother David Carradine. His film debut came in John Wayne’s The Cowboys (1972), followed by a role in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets (1973).
Carradine’s breakthrough came in 1984 when he starred as Lewis Skolnick, the lovable nerd in Revenge of the Nerds. The film became a cult classic, spawning three sequels in which Carradine reprised his role. In the early 2000s, he found a new generation of fans as Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s father, in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire and The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003).
Tributes From Colleagues
Hilary Duff, who played Lizzie, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
Fans and colleagues alike remembered Carradine for his humor, wisdom, and kindness, celebrating both his professional achievements and his personal warmth.
Legacy
Carradine’s career spanned more than five decades, bridging generations with roles in gritty dramas, cult comedies, and family television. His family hopes his story will inspire more open conversations about mental health and help reduce stigma.
