Robert Carradine, the actor known for roles in “The Long Riders,” “Revenge of the Nerds” and the television series “Lizzie McGuire,” has died at 71, his management company told CNN.
In a statement shared with Deadline, Carradine’s family said he had died, describing him as “our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother.”
Robert Carradine death confirmed by family statement
The family said Carradine had faced a “nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder,” and urged greater openness around mental health.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him,” the statement said, adding: “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Carradine’s brother, actor Keith Carradine, told Deadline the family wanted to speak publicly about the illness. He said there was “no shame in it,” adding that he wanted to celebrate his brother’s struggle and “beautiful soul.”
A career spanning studio films and television
Born March 24, 1954, Carradine was the youngest son of late American actor John Carradine. He was the brother of actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine, and of Christopher Carradine, described as a former vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Carradine made his film debut in the 1972 film “The Cowboys,” starring John Wayne and Roscoe Lee Browne, and went on to build a decades-long career across film and television.
He became widely known for playing Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” a role he reprised in sequels. He later reached a new audience as Sam McGuire in the Disney television series “Lizzie McGuire.”
Tributes from co-stars and family
Hilary Duff, who starred in “Lizzie McGuire,” posted a tribute on Instagram Tuesday, writing that the news was difficult to accept and expressing sadness that Carradine had been suffering.
Jake Thomas, another co-star from the series, described Carradine as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet,” calling him funny, pragmatic, and “always a little eccentric.”
Carradine’s daughter, actor Ever Carradine, also shared a tribute on Instagram, describing her father as sweet and funny and writing that she always knew he loved her and had her back.
