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Actor Robert Carradine, widely known for his roles in Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed the veteran performer's death, saying he had been living with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades.
In a statement released to the media, the family expressed deep sorrow while also acknowledging the personal struggles he faced. "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away," they said. Describing him as "a beacon of light," the family also spoke of his "valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder," adding that they hope his journey helps encourage more open conversations about mental illness and reduces stigma.
Carradine's older brother, Keith Carradine, also addressed the loss publicly, stressing the importance of awareness. "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he said, noting that the illness ultimately "got the best of him." He remembered Robert as "profoundly gifted," saying the family would continue to honour both his life and the resilience he showed throughout his health challenges.
Born in 1954 into the well-known Carradine acting family, Robert was the youngest son of veteran actor John Carradine. He began his screen career in the early 1970s, making his film debut opposite John Wayne in The Cowboys. He went on to build a steady résumé with appearances in notable productions including Mean Streets and the Oscar-winning Coming Home.
His biggest pop-culture breakthrough came in 1984 when he portrayed Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, a role that became closely associated with his early career. Years later, he reached a new generation of viewers as Sam McGuire — the father of Hilary Duff's title character — on the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, appearing across multiple seasons between 2001 and 2004.
Following news of his death, Duff shared an emotional tribute. "This one hurts," she wrote, reflecting on their time working together. She added that being part of the show felt special because "There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents." Duff concluded, "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."
Carradine had previously spoken about his mental health, noting that his condition worsened after the 2009 death of his half-brother David Carradine. In the years that followed, his family said he continued to face the disorder privately.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers and extended family, who have requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
