Robert Carradine, the cherished actor known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71.
As per a statement released by his family to Deadline, Carradine endured a nearly two-decade-long battle with bipolar disorder — a challenge they believe ultimately contributed to his passing.
“We hope his journey can illuminate the issue and promote discussions that help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness,” the Carradine family expressed.
Carradine hailed from one of the most prominent acting families in Hollywood. He was the son of the iconic actor John Carradine and the sibling of fellow actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine, in addition to Christopher Carradine, who previously served as vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering.
While Carradine established a consistent career over several decades, younger viewers particularly recall him as the affectionate father to Hilary Duff’s character in the popular Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. Duff, who played a leading role in the show, expressed a heartfelt tribute on Instagram upon receiving the news.
“This one hurts. It’s truly challenging to confront this reality regarding an old friend. The McGuire family radiated so much warmth, and I always felt genuinely cared for by my on-screen parents,” Duff stated. “I will be eternally thankful for that. It deeply saddens me to learn that Bobby was in pain. My heart goes out to him, his family, and all those who cherished him.”
Carradine’s career extended well beyond Disney. He became a beloved figure as Lewis in the enduring Revenge of the Nerds series and also featured in the Oscar-winning film Coming Home.
His journey in Hollywood commenced in 1972, when he made his film debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys — marking the beginning of a career that would leave an indelible mark on generations of movie and television enthusiasts.