Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles on the Disney series “Lizzie McGuire” and the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” has died at age 71.
His family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement to Deadline on Feb. 24, noting the actor’s “valiant struggle” against bipolar disorder that lasted for almost two decades. The news outlet reported that the actor took his own life.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him,” his brother and manager Keith Carradine said in the statement.
“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.”
Born in 1954 in Los Angeles, Robert Carradine was the youngest son of late actor John Carradine, and he and his brothers Keith and David Carradine followed in their father’s footsteps.
He rose to fame in the early ’70s on the television series “Bonanza” and made his film debut in the John Wayne Western “The Cowboys.”
For over 50 years, Robert Carradine appeared in numerous roles across television as well as studio and independent films, including “The Big Red One,” Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets,” “Escape from L.A.,” and more.
He became a fan favorite, however, while starring as Sam McGuire on “Lizzie McGuire” from 2001 to 2004 on the Disney Channel, and in the movie of the same name released in 2003.
Singer and actress Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter on the series, shared an emotional tribute of her own, along with former co-stars Jake Thomas and Hallie Todd.
“This one hurts,” Duff captioned Instagram photos of their time on set together. “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,” she continued. “I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
Thomas, who played Carradine’s TV son, wrote, “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.”
There were “Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between,” he continued.
“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.”
Todd, who played Carradine’s on-screen wife on the show, expressed her sorrow while remembering the friendship the two built over the last 25 years.
“Our families grew extremely close, celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings together,” Todd wrote on Instagram. “My friendship with Bobby and his family is probably my most treasured personal gift from working on Lizzie McGuire.”
“He was my family on screen and off. My heart, love, strength and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate through this enormous loss.”
Robert Carradine is survived by his three children, actor Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
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