Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his breakout role in Revenge of the Nerds and later as dad Sam McGuire on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71.
Carradine’s family confirmed his death Monday in a statement, sharing that he had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and ultimately took his own life.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.”
They described his long struggle with mental illness as “valiant” and said they hope his story encourages more open conversations about mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness,” the statement read, asking for privacy as they grieve.
Carradine came from Hollywood royalty. He was born in Los Angeles in 1954 to actors John Carradine and Sonia Sorel. His brothers included actor Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine.
He began acting as a child, appearing in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne in 1972. Over the years, he built a steady career in film and television, but it was his role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds that made him a household name. He reprised the role in multiple sequels and TV movies.
A new generation came to know him as Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s supportive dad on the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004, as well as in the 2003 feature film.
His daughter, actress Ever Carradine, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“My dad died today,” she wrote. “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.”
She added, “I have a thousand stories and I’m being flooded with memories — so if you see me, please ask me about my dad, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am. Rest easy, dad. I love you the most.”
Keith Carradine also spoke about his brother’s battle with bipolar disorder, calling him courageous.
“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,” Keith said. “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
Lizzie McGuire co-star Hilary Duff shared her grief online as well.
“This one hurts,” she wrote. “It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend… I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
In recent years, Carradine had been open about his mental health challenges. Court filings during a past divorce revealed struggles with depression and bipolar disorder.
Fans quickly flooded social media with tributes, remembering him for both his comedic timing and the warmth he brought to the screen.
Robert Carradine is survived by his children Ever, Marika and Ian, along with grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.