The Carradine family, a Hollywood dynasty whose roots stretch back to the Golden Age of film, has been thrust into the spotlight once again with the recent passing of Robert Carradine at age 71. The news, announced by his family on February 23, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance, not only for his own storied career but for the complex, sometimes tragic legacy of the Carradine clan.
Robert Carradine, perhaps best known for his role as the endearing Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 cult comedy "Revenge of the Nerds," died by suicide after a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. His family’s statement, provided to Deadline, was both heartbreaking and courageous: "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of 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."
Born March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, Robert was the youngest son of the legendary character actor John Carradine. His brothers, David and Keith Carradine, carved out their own celebrated careers in Hollywood, while his half-brother Christopher became a notable Disney Imagineer. The family’s artistic legacy extends to the next generation as well, with niece Martha Plimpton and daughter Ever Carradine making their own marks in television and film.
Robert’s own career began with a television debut on "Bonanza" in 1971 and a film debut opposite John Wayne in "The Cowboys" the following year. He quickly established himself as a versatile actor, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s "Mean Streets" (1973), the horror film "Orca" (1977), and the Vietnam War drama "Coming Home" (1978). In 1980, he joined his brothers David and Keith in "The Long Riders," a film that cast real-life siblings as outlaw gangs, adding another layer to the Carradine family’s on-screen mythos.
But it was "Revenge of the Nerds" that cemented Robert’s place in pop culture. His portrayal of Lewis Skolnick, the brainy, idealistic leader of a fraternity of misfits, resonated with audiences and spawned three sequels. In the 2000s, Robert found new fans as Sam McGuire, the affable father in Disney Channel’s "Lizzie McGuire," starring Hilary Duff. He appeared in over 60 episodes and the 2003 feature film, endearing himself to a generation of younger viewers.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and family after news of his death broke. Hilary Duff shared on Instagram, "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’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 Robert’s son on "Lizzie McGuire," remembered him as "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."
Robert’s daughter, Ever Carradine, also posted a heartfelt tribute: "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. Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back. Rest easy, dad. I love you the most."
Beyond acting, Robert was a musician, forming a band with actress Mare Winningham in the 1980s and playing music with his brothers. He was also a race car driver, sharing the track with Paul Newman. His personal life, however, was not without turmoil. Married for 28 years to Edith Mani, the couple divorced in 2018 after a period marked by allegations of a suicide attempt involving a car crash in 2015. Despite these struggles, Robert remained close to his children—Ever, Marika, and Ian—and is survived by them, his grandchildren, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
The Carradine family’s story is inseparable from the history of Hollywood itself. John Carradine, the patriarch, was considered one of the greatest character actors of his era. David Carradine, Robert’s older half-brother, achieved international fame in the 1970s as Kwai Chang Caine in the television series "Kung Fu," and later as Bill in Quentin Tarantino’s "Kill Bill" films. David’s own death in 2009 remains one of the entertainment world’s enduring mysteries. Discovered in his Bangkok hotel room on June 4, 2009, at age 72, David’s passing was officially ruled asphyxiation, but the verdict was inconclusive and has been disputed by both family and medical experts.
A recent episode of TMZ’s "Last Days" podcast, released in February 2026, reignited public fascination with David Carradine’s death. The podcast revisited his final days in Thailand while filming "Stretch," exploring the contradictory accounts and conspiracy theories that have swirled for nearly 17 years. The official Thai police investigation concluded accidental asphyxiation, but Dr. Michael Baden, a medical examiner hired by the family, stated he could not definitively rule out autoerotic asphyxiation, suicide, or homicide. The family rejected suicide claims, with some speculating about murder or accidental circumstances. As reported by The New York Times, the family’s medical examiner stated that David "did not commit suicide."
David’s career spanned 46 years, with over 200 films and 27 television movies to his name. He was celebrated for bringing a philosophical depth and martial arts mystique to his roles, particularly as the peace-loving Shaolin monk in "Kung Fu." Director Quentin Tarantino’s decision to cast him as Bill in "Kill Bill" introduced him to a new generation, ensuring his legacy as an action cinema icon.
The Carradine family’s history is filled with both triumph and tragedy, their lives unfolding in the public eye. Keith Carradine, reflecting on his brother Robert’s passing, told Deadline, "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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."
The recent loss of Robert Carradine, coupled with the renewed interest in David Carradine’s mysterious death, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those in the spotlight—and the importance of compassion, understanding, and open dialogue regarding mental illness. For those struggling, resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) remain available, offering support and hope in the darkest moments.
The Carradine legacy, marked by artistic achievement and personal struggle, continues to captivate Hollywood and audiences around the world. Their stories—both celebrated and tragic—echo through generations, reminding us of the humanity behind the fame.