Robert Carradine, “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire” Star, Dies at 71 After ‘Valiant Struggle’ with Bipolar Disorder

Carradine's death was confirmed in a statement from his family on Monday, Feb. 23

NEED TO KNOW

• Robert Carradine died at 71 following a “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder, his family confirmed in a statement
• Carradine died on Monday, Feb. 23, and is survived by his three children
• He notably starred in a series of successful films in the 1970s, the Revenge of the Nerds franchise in the 1980s and as Hilary Duff’s onscreen dad in Lizzie McGuire

Robert Carradine, the actor known for his roles in Lizzie McGuire and the Revenge of the Nerds franchise, has died at 71 following a "valiant struggle" with bipolar disorder, according to his family.

Carradine's death was confirmed by his family in a statement to Deadline on Monday, Feb. 23. “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away," the statement began.

"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him," the statement continued. "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. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."

The actor debuted onscreen opposite of John Wayne in The Cowboys in 1972. A member of the prolific Carradine family of actors, his brother David encouraged him to take the opportunity to audition, telling him he “had everything to gain, and nothing to lose," per Deadline. His father, John Carradine, was one of Hollywood's most prolific character actors, with a list of credits that included 1940's The Grapes of Wrath, Stagecoach alongside Wayne and countless horror movies.

Carradine went on to appear in Martin Scorsese’s mafia crime drama Mean Streets in 1973, and in Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning film Coming Home in 1978 with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. The war drama-romance largely focused on the lasting impacts of the Vietnam War on veterans.

Carradine also starred in the comedy franchise Revenge of the Nerds as one of the titular nerds, Lewis Skolnick, and appeared in Escape From L.A. opposite Kurt Russell in 1996.

Carradine went on to play Hilary Duff's onscreen father Sam in the hit Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie, from 2001 to 2004.

After Carradine's death, Duff honored the late actor on Instagram in a Monday, Feb. 23 post. She shared photos of herself and Carradine from the Lizzie McGuire set, writing, "This one hurts."

"It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend," Duff continued. "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, who played Lizzie McGuire's younger brother Matt, also posted a tribute for Carradine on Instagram on Monday, Feb. 23. "My heart hurts today," he wrote. "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. He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family."

Thomas continued, "I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between. 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.' "

Carradine's brother, Keith Carradine, who has notably appeared in Pretty Baby, Dexter, and more, told Deadline that the family wishes for the public to learn more about bipolar disorder following his brother's death.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Robert told the outlet. “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. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”  

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Robert's niece, actress Martha Plimpton, told the outlet that he was "everyone’s favorite uncle." Carradine shared daughter Ever Carradine with ex Susan Snyder, and daughter Marika Reed Carradine, and son Ian Alexander Carradine, with his ex-wife Edie Mani. Carradine and Mani divorced in 2018.

Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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