Robert Carradine, the beloved actor celebrated for his roles in both the cult classic Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His death, confirmed by his family on February 24, 2026, was by suicide, following a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. The news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, friends, and family members who remember Carradine not only for his talent but for his warmth and resilience.
In a heartfelt statement shared with multiple outlets including Deadline, Carradine’s family wrote, “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.”
Carradine, born in 1954, was the youngest son of the legendary actor John Carradine, and part of a dynasty that included his brothers Keith and David Carradine, as well as his niece, actress Martha Plimpton. His career began early, with teenage roles in television series like The Cowboys (1974) and TV movies such as The Hatfields and the McCoys (1975). He quickly made his mark in film, appearing in Coming Home, Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets, and the family western The Long Riders—where he starred alongside his brothers, playing real-life outlaw siblings.
But it was in 1984 that Carradine achieved widespread fame, starring as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. The film’s success led to three sequels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with Carradine reprising his role and cementing his place in pop culture history. According to The Guardian, Carradine even went undercover at the University of Arizona to better inhabit his character, convincing real students he was an actual nerd. For many, his portrayal of Skolnick became an emblem of underdog perseverance and quirky intelligence.
Later, Carradine would win the hearts of a new generation as Sam McGuire, the caring and sometimes befuddled father on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004), starring alongside Hilary Duff. He appeared in all 65 episodes and reprised the role in the 2003 feature film. A planned revival series for Disney+ saw him return to the role, but the project was ultimately shelved after only two episodes were filmed.
The impact Carradine had on his younger castmates was profound. Hilary Duff, in a moving Instagram tribute, shared, “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 Lizzie’s brother Matt, echoed the sentiment: “My heart hurts today. 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. 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. Love you. – ‘Jaker’”
Lalaine, who portrayed Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez, added, “It’s really not fair. I’m fu*ked up atm.. I am thankful tho. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.”
Carradine’s family legacy was both a source of pride and, at times, pain. His older half-brother David Carradine, known for his role in Kill Bill, died in 2009, an event that Robert later said contributed to the onset of his own mental health struggles. He was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition he battled for almost 20 years. His brother, Keith Carradine, emphasized the importance of being open about mental illness: “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. 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’s personal life was marked by both love and hardship. He had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder. He later married Edith Mani, with whom he had two children, Marika and Ian, before divorcing in 2015 after 25 years of marriage. The divorce proceedings revealed the extent of his struggles, with Carradine admitting to being in a “psychotic state” during a 2015 car crash incident involving Mani.
Throughout his career, Carradine’s versatility and generosity as a performer earned him the admiration of fans and colleagues alike. Whether playing a nerdy hero, a loving father, or a rugged outlaw, he brought a unique warmth and humor to every role. His family, in their statement, hoped that sharing his story would help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging others to seek help and fostering greater compassion within society.
Robert Carradine is survived by his three children, brothers, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. His memory lives on through his work, his family, and the countless lives he touched both on and off the screen. For those struggling with mental health, resources are available—call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
As the entertainment world mourns, the legacy of Robert Carradine—a beacon of light, resilience, and kindness—remains undimmed.