The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor Robert Carradine, who passed away at the age of 71. Carradine, best known to a new generation as Sam McGuire—the lovable father on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire—was remembered by his castmates in heartfelt tributes following news of his death on February 24.
Hilary Duff’s Emotional Tribute
Hilary Duff, who starred as Lizzie, shared photos of herself with Carradine on set. “This one hurts,” she wrote. “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. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
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Jake Thomas Remembers a Mentor
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt, also posted a touching remembrance. “My heart hurts today,” he began. “I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric.”
Thomas praised Carradine as a “talented actor, musician, and director,” but emphasized his role as family. “I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you. – ‘Jaker.’”
Lalaine’s Heartfelt Words
Lalaine, who portrayed Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez, expressed her grief in another post. “It’s really not fair. I’m fu*ked up atm.. I am thankful tho. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.”
Carradine’s Career and Legacy
Robert Carradine rose to fame in the 1980s with his role in Revenge of the Nerds, but found a new audience in the early 2000s with Lizzie McGuire. He reprised his role in the 2003 feature film, calling the part a “godsend” in a 2013 interview. “I didn’t really think that they were going to go for somebody of my style and type as Lizzie’s father,” he said. “And then I found out after the fact that they’d written this guy to be kind of loose and devil-may-care, which I am.”
Carradine’s passing is a painful loss for fans and colleagues alike. His warmth, humor, and fatherly presence on Lizzie McGuire left a lasting mark on audiences, and his legacy continues through the memories shared by those who loved him.
