LOS ANGELES – Actor Robert Carradine, known for fan-favorite roles in the Revenge of the Nerds films and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71. His family confirmed the news on February 23, 2026. They said Carradine died by suicide after living with bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years.
The loss has hit the entertainment world hard. It has also reopened a painful but needed talk about mental health, especially in Hollywood, where many struggles stay private.
Family Statement Highlights His Fight and Urges Mental Health Awareness
Soon after his death, Carradine’s family shared a statement filled with grief and love, while also pointing to the illness he faced for years.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the statement said. “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.”
They added, “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.”
His brother, actor Keith Carradine (Nashville), also spoke about the illness in interviews. He described it as something that “got the best of him,” while still remembering Robert’s kindness and steady heart.
A Hollywood Career Shaped by a Famous Acting Family
Robert Reed Carradine was born on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, California. He was the youngest son of John Carradine and Sonia Sorel. Acting ran deep in the Carradine family, with siblings such as David Carradine (Kung Fu, who died in 2009) and Keith Carradine also building careers in film and TV.
Carradine stepped into movies young. At 18, he made his film debut in the 1972 Western The Cowboys, appearing alongside John Wayne. From there, he worked steadily for more than 50 years.
Some of his early standouts included:
- Mean Streets (1973), directed by Martin Scorsese
- The Long Riders (1980), where he acted with his brothers David and Keith, playing members of the James-Younger gang
- Samuel Fuller’s war film The Big Red One (1980), which earned him strong reviews
Over time, he moved easily between drama and comedy, and that range helped him stay in demand.
The Roles Fans Never Forgot
Carradine became a household name as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds. The movie turned into a cult classic, and his take on the smart, awkward leader of the nerd fraternity at Adams College became the film’s center. Audiences connected with the character, so Carradine returned for sequels and kept Lewis alive for longtime fans.
Later, he won over a younger crowd as Sam McGuire on Lizzie McGuire (2001 to 2004). As Lizzie’s supportive, slightly goofy dad, he brought warmth to the Disney Channel hit. The show mixed animation with live action and tackled teen life with humor, and Carradine fit that tone well.
He also appeared in:
- Escape from L.A. (1996), playing an ally to Snake Plissken
- Guest roles on series such as The Fall Guy, ER, and Criminal Minds
- Voice roles and independent movies throughout the 2010s and 2020s
His IMDb page lists more than 150 credits, reflecting a long career built on steady work and loyal fans.
Mental Health Challenges After a Family Loss
According to reports, Carradine’s bipolar disorder began, or grew worse, after the 2009 death of his half-brother, David Carradine,e in Thailand. In later years, Robert spoke about how the loss affected him and led to a diagnosis.
He also faced other difficult moments, including a reported 2015 car crash tied to his condition. Still, he kept working and stayed close to his family, including his daughter Ever Carradine, who is also an actor.
By sharing the cause of death, the family joined a wider effort to reduce shame around mental illness. Bipolar disorder affects millions and can bring severe mood changes, deep depression, and higher suicide risk when left untreated or poorly managed.
Tributes From Co-Stars and Fans
After the news broke, social media was filled with tributes. Hilary Duff and other Lizzie McGuire cast members remembered Carradine with affection, and several shared stories about his kindness on set. Fans also posted about the comfort and laughs his roles brought them.
One fan wrote: “RIP Robert Carradine 1954-2026. Lewis Skolnick will always be a hero to every underdog.”
At the same time, many people in the industry used the moment to push for stronger mental health support for performers and crews.
Remembering Robert Carradine’s Life and Work
Robert Carradine’s death at 71 is a painful reminder that private battles can sit behind even the most familiar faces. His work lives on through streaming, where Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire still find new viewers.
For now, his family is grieving out of the public eye. They hope his story encourages more open talk about mental illness and the need to seek help. Funeral plans have not been shared, and the family has asked for privacy.
