Robert Carradine, a member of one of Hollywood’s most storied acting families and a familiar face to generations of film and television viewers, has died at the age of 71.
His family confirmed that he died by suicide after living with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. They said they chose to publicly share the cause of death in an effort to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” his brother, actor Keith Carradine, told Deadline.
From Hollywood royalty to cult comedy icon
Born on 24 March 1954, Carradine was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and brother to David and Keith Carradine. Raised in a household steeped in performance, he entered the industry in the early 1970s with a role in The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne.
He went on to work with some of cinema’s most influential directors, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, the Oscar-winning Coming Home, The Long Riders and The Big Red One.
But it was the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds that defined a chapter of his career. As Lewis Skolnick, the unlikely leader of a fraternity of misfits, Carradine helped turn the film into a cult classic and 1980s staple.
A new generation’s TV dad
In the early 2000s, Carradine became known to younger audiences as Sam McGuire, the steady, supportive father in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.
Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter, paid tribute on Instagram, writing:
“This one hurts. 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’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him.”
Jake Thomas, who portrayed his son on the series, described Carradine as “funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric” and said he was “family” both on and off screen.
A family speaking openly
In their statement, Carradine’s family described him as a “beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother” and expressed hope that sharing his story might help others seek support.
“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,” they said.
Keith Carradine added that his brother was “profoundly gifted” and remembered him for his humour, wisdom and tolerance.
Over five decades, Robert Carradine built a career that bridged Hollywood lineage, cult film fame and family television comfort. His passing marks the loss of a performer who occupied a unique space in American entertainment — and whose family hopes his story will spark compassion and understanding around mental health.
He was 71.
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Featured Image: Getty
