‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star Dies By Suicide, Cast Reacts

Actor Robert Carradine, known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” died Sunday at the age of 71, as reported by Page Six.

Carradine took his own life after battling bipolar disorder, his brother, actor Keith Carradine, said, according to Deadline. Following his death, the family released a statement reflecting on his life and his long struggle with mental illness.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” his family said in a statement to the outlet.

Robert Carradine, Revenge Of The Nerds and Lizzie McGuire star, dead at 71 as family reveals cause of death https://t.co/fu1ud7HVhW

— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) February 24, 2026

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“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. 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.”

Keith Carradine said the family wanted to bring awareness to his brother’s condition. According to TMZ, Carradine was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after the 2009 death of his brother David, who died by asphyxiation.

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“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith Carradine said.

“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. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”

Carradine was part of a well-known acting family. His father was actor John Carradine, and his brothers included Keith and David Carradine.

There is no shame in it.” — Keith Carradine ️

​The Carradine family has shared that Robert’s death was a suicide following a “valiant” 20-year battle with Bipolar Disorder. They are speaking out to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and hope his journey “shines a… pic.twitter.com/Rp79AXtl5l

— We Amplify! (@Amplifiers01) February 24, 2026

He made his film debut in 1972 in the John Wayne Western “The Cowboys.” The following year, he appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 1973 crime film “Mean Streets.” In 1978, Carradine appeared in the war drama “Coming Home,” which was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Carradine’s most recognized film role came in 1984 when he portrayed Lewis Skolnick in the comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” a film centered on a group of college outcasts who challenge the jock fraternity Alpha Betas.

The movie was a commercial success, earning $40 million at the box office on a $6 million budget. Carradine reprised his role in three sequels.

In a 2025 interview with Media Mikes, Carradine reflected on the unexpected success of the film. “But I do remember that we had an incredible time making the film,” he said.

“It was a lot of fun. And I think that the camera records how you actually feel and, the fact that we were on fire, for lack of a better phrase, the camera recorded that. That was one of the things that made that film work on a massive level.”

A younger audience came to know Carradine through his role as Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel series and movie “Lizzie McGuire.”

Hilary Duff, who starred as the title character, shared her reaction Tuesday. “This one hurts,” Duff said.

“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. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

Actor Jake Thomas, who played Carradine’s son on the show, also responded.

“My heart hurts today,” Thomas said. “I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And 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 my family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between. 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.”

Carradine is survived by his children. He had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder in 1974. He later married Edith Mani, and the couple had two children, Marika and Ian, before divorcing after 25 years.

Ever Carradine shared a message with her Instagram followers. “My dad died today. My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” she said.

“My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love.”

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