Robert Carradine, the beloved actor known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire,” has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed the news on February 23, revealing that Carradine had been battling bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from co-stars, including Hilary Duff and Jake Thomas, who remembered him as a warm, funny, and deeply talented soul.
The Family’s Announcement
Carradine’s family released a heartfelt statement to Deadline, sharing both their sorrow and their desire to honor his struggle with mental illness.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”
The family also expressed hope that his journey would encourage others to address the stigma surrounding mental illness. They asked for privacy as they grieve.
A Brother’s Tribute
Robert’s brother, fellow actor Keith Carradine, spoke about the importance of being open about what Robert faced. He emphasized that there is no shame in bipolar disorder, describing it as an illness that ultimately got the best of his younger brother.
Keith chose to celebrate Robert for his struggle rather than define him by it. He remembered Robert as profoundly gifted, funny, wise, and utterly accepting of others. “That’s who my baby brother was,” he said.
Hilary Duff: “This One Hurts”
Hilary Duff, who played Lizzie McGuire alongside Carradine’s portrayal of her on-screen father, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. Alongside a cast photo, she wrote about the deep bond they shared.
“This one hurts,” Duff 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.”
Jake Thomas: “He Was Family”
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt on the show, also shared his grief. In a social media post, he described knowing Carradine for most of his life.
“He was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet,” Thomas wrote. “Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric. He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family.”
Thomas recalled fond memories spent with Carradine and his family throughout the years, through good moments and challenging ones. He looked up to him growing up and later realized he still thought he was pretty neat.
A Life in Film and Television
Robert Carradine came from a legendary acting family. His brothers Keith and David also enjoyed successful careers. Robert’s breakout role came in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” where he played Lewis Skolnick, a role that became iconic for a generation.
He later found a new audience as Sam McGuire, the loving and sometimes clueless father on Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire.” The show ran from 2001 to 2004 and remains a beloved piece of many childhoods.
Robert Carradine leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a family that adored him. He is survived by his children, Ever, Marika, and Ian, as well as his brothers and extended family. His loved ones have chosen to remember him not just for his work, but for his light, his humor, and his valiant struggle. In sharing his battle with bipolar disorder, they hope to shine a light on mental illness and reduce the stigma that surrounds it.
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