Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” died Sunday at 71.
He took his own life after battling Bipolar Disorder, his brother and actor Keith Carradine said, according to Deadline.
Carradine was part of the legendary acting family, including his father John and brothers Keith and David.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” his family said in a statement to the outlet.
“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.”
Following Robert’s death, Keith Carradine said his family wanted to bring awareness about his brother’s struggle with Bipolar Disorder.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he 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.”
In 1972, Carradine made his film debut in the John Wayne Western “The Cowboys” and also had a role in Martin Scorsese’s crime classic “Mean Streets” in 1973.
He also appeared in the 1978 war film “Coming Home,” which was nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards.
However, it was Carradine’s role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” in which case the losers take on the jock fraternity Alpha Betas, that won over film lovers.
The film was a hit — earning $40 million at the box office on a $6 million budget — and Carradine would go on to appear in three sequels.
Carradine said he had no idea the movie would be such a hit.
“But I do remember that we had an incredible time making the film,” he told Media Mikes in 2025. “It was a lot of fun. And I think that the camera records how you actually feel and, the fact that we were on fire, for lack of a better phrase, the camera recorded that. That was one of the things that made that film work on a massive level.”
A new generation of fans was introduced to Carradine’s work for his role as Sam McGuire on “Lizzie McGuire,” on the TV series and movie.
“My heart hurts today,” said actor Jake Thomas, who played Carradine’s son on the show. “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, muscian, and director. But more than anything, he was my family. 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.”
Carradine had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder in 1974. He later married Edith Mani and had two more children, Marika and Ian before the couple divorced after 25 years together.
“My dad died today. My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” Ever Carradine said on Instagram.
“My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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