Robert Carradine, Film and TV Actor, Dies at 71 After Mental Health Struggle
Robert Carradine, the actor known for his roles in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise and as Hilary Duff’s on-screen father in Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71. His family confirmed his death in a statement released Monday, Feb. 23.
Deadline reported that Carradine took his own life. In their statement, his family said, “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away.”
They added, “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on 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. 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.”
Carradine is survived by his three children, grandchildren, and extended family.
A Career Across Decades
Carradine made his on-screen debut in 1972 opposite John Wayne in The Cowboys. He went on to appear in Martin Scorsese’s 1973 crime drama Mean Streets and Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning 1978 film Coming Home, which starred Jane Fonda and Jon Voight and explored the lasting impact of the Vietnam War on veterans.
In the 1980s, he became widely recognized for his role as Lewis Skolnick in the comedy Revenge of the Nerds and its sequels. The franchise developed a cult following and cemented Carradine’s place in pop culture.
He later appeared in Escape From L.A. in 1996 opposite Kurt Russell.
For a younger generation, Carradine was best known as Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s title character in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and The Lizzie McGuire Movie. He appeared on the show from 2001 to 2004.
Tributes From Co-Stars
Following news of his death, Duff shared a tribute on Instagram, 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.
“My heart hurts today,” Thomas 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 added, “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.”
A Legacy Within a Hollywood Dynasty
Carradine was part of a prominent acting family. His father, John Carradine, was a prolific character actor known for roles in The Grapes of Wrath and Stagecoach. His half-brother David Carradine starred in the '70s action series Kung Fu and later in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill films. His brother Keith Carradine has appeared in Pretty Baby and Dexter and is the father of actress Martha Plimpton.
Speaking to Deadline, Keith Carradine said the family hopes greater awareness comes from Robert’s death.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith said. “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.”
Robert Carradine shared daughter Ever Carradine with ex Susan Snyder, and daughter Marika Reed Carradine and son Ian Alexander Carradine with ex-wife Edie Mani. He is remembered not only for his film and television roles but for the warmth and humor colleagues and family described in their tributes.
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