Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine has died at 71 years old, Deadline reports.
According to the outlet, Carradine died by suicide following a battle with Bipolar Disorder. The family of the late actor shared a statement with the outlet, in which they wrote that “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 on light to everyone around him,” the statement continued. “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 was born on March 24, 1954 to father and fellow actor John Carradine and Sonia Sorel. Like him and his father, Carradine’s brother and manager, Keith Carradine, and his half-brother, David Carradine, were also actors, per People. His brother Chris Carradine served as the former vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, per CNN.
Carradine earned his first film credit in 1972’s The Cowboys, and went on to star as Lewis in all four Revenge of the Nerds films. Other films of his include Aloha Bobby and Rose, Joyride, Number One with a Bullet, and Escape From L.A.
Children of the early aughts recognize Carradine from his role in 2001’s Max Keeble’s Big Move, as well as his wrk as the McGuire family patriarch, Sam McGuire, in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire abd in 2003’s Lizzie McGuire Movie. Both of Carradine’s onscreen children from Lizzie McGuire, Hilary Duff and Jake Thomas, have paid tribute to Carradine since the news of his passing broke, with Duff writing that she “always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.
