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Hilary Duff has expressed her sorrow over the passing of Robert Carradine, her co-star from “Lizzie McGuire,” who died at the age of 71.
In an emotional message shared on Instagram, Duff reflected, “This loss is painful. It’s difficult to come to terms with this reality concerning an old friend.”
She continued, “The McGuire family was filled with warmth, and I always felt truly cared for by my on-screen parents.”
“I will always be thankful for that. It’s heartbreaking to know Bobby was suffering. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and everyone who cherished him,” she added.
Robert Carradine portrayed Sam McGuire, Duff’s character’s father, on the beloved Disney Channel series, appearing in 65 episodes from 2001 to 2004, as noted on his IMDb page. He reprised his role in the 2003 film “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.”
Jake Thomas — who played Duff’s brother in the show — described Carradine as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet.”
“Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” he wrote on Instagram.
“He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family.”
Carradine took his own life after battling Bipolar Disorder, his family told Deadline.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” they said.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on 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.”
Carradine’s brother, Keith, said his sibling’s battle with Bipolar Disorder “got the better of him” before paying a personal tribute.
“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 said. “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
Carradine said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following the death of his brother and fellow actor, David. David was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room in 2009.
Carradine was best known for his roles in the 1980 war epic movie “The Big Red One,” the 1984 movie “Revenge of the Nerds,” and the 1996 movie “Escape from L.A.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.