Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed to Deadline that Carradine died by suicide after living with bipolar disorder for more than 20 years.
Family Speaks Openly About Mental Health
In a statement, the Carradine family said: “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him. 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.”
His brother, actor Keith Carradine, added: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.”
The family emphasized their hope that Robert’s journey will help reduce stigma around mental illness and encourage more open conversations.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Carradine collected more than 140 acting credits across a career that began in the early 1970s. He made his feature film debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972) and appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets (1973).
He starred with his brothers Keith and David in The Long Riders (1980) and achieved cult fame as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds. Carradine reprised the role in three sequels, cementing his place in pop culture.
In the early 2000s, he became a familiar face to younger audiences as Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s father, on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire and The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003).
Tributes and Legacy
Carradine’s death is a tragic loss for his family, colleagues, and fans. He was remembered not only for his acting talent but also for his humor, wisdom, and kindness. Keith Carradine described him as “profoundly gifted” and “utterly accepting and tolerant.”
