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The entertainment world is grieving the loss of Robert Carradine, a beloved actor renowned for his roles in both Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire. Carradine passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71.
His family has confirmed that he died by suicide following a long battle with bipolar disorder, a condition he had been managing for nearly two decades. This revelation has sparked an outpouring of sorrow from fans and industry colleagues alike. Beyond his memorable on-screen characters, Carradine’s life story is marked by his enduring marriage, three children, and connections to a legendary Hollywood lineage.
Who Was Robert Carradine?
Robert Carradine carved out a significant presence in American cinema, with a career stretching over half a century. He made his debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972) and became a pop culture icon as Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds films. Later, he endeared himself to a younger generation as Sam McGuire, the caring father figure in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.
Carradine’s talent was not confined to comedic roles; he also delivered compelling performances in dramas like The Big Red One and Coming Home, which showcased his versatility. As the youngest son of the legendary actor John Carradine, Robert’s career further entrenched the family’s rich legacy in the annals of American film history.
Was Robert Carradine Married?
Robert Carradine’s personal life included a single marriage to Edith “Edie” Mani, which endured for 25 years, from 1990 until their turbulent divorce in 2018. Their relationship faced significant hurdles, particularly after a harrowing incident in 2015 when Robert crashed their vehicle into an oncoming semi-truck in Colorado. He later explained that the accident was due to a severe psychotic episode caused by missing his bipolar medication.
According to court documents, Edie claimed he admitted to attempting to “kill us both,” highlighting the struggles of a marriage affected by mental health issues. Prior to his marriage to Edie, Carradine had a daughter named Ever with horse trainer Susan Snyder.
How Many Children Did Robert Carradine Have?
Robert Carradine is survived by three children: daughters Ever Carradine and Marika Reed Carradine, and son Ian Alexander Carradine. Ever, the eldest at 51, is from his relationship with Susan Snyder and has made a name for herself in acting, featuring in shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Commander in Chief.
Marika and Ian, both in their early to mid-30s, are the children from his marriage with Edie Mani and have mostly stayed away from the Hollywood limelight. Ever honored her father with a heartfelt tribute, remembering him as a single dad who was always her “partner.”
The Legendary Carradine Bloodline
The name Carradine is emblematic of one of the pioneering families in Hollywood acting, a legacy built on extraordinary talent and undeniable screen charisma. John Carradine, the patriarch with over 350 credits in film and television, set the benchmark as a much-respected character actor in classics like The Grapes of Wrath and numerous horror films.
His sons David (Kung Fu), Keith (Nashville), and Robert each achieved their own recognition while contributing to the family’s extensive legacy. This lineage continues through the next generation with actress Martha Plimpton, Keith’s daughter, and Ever Carradine, demonstrating the family’s enduring talent in acting.
Robert Carradine’s Famous Siblings and Family Members
Robert was part of an exceptionally gifted family, including his half-brother David Carradine, whose death in 2009 had a profound impact on Robert and intensified his mental health challenges. His brother Keith Carradine, who acknowledged Robert’s passing, is an Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actor and composer.
The family also includes actor Michael Bowen, Robert’s maternal half-brother, along with niece Martha Plimpton, who fondly referred to Robert as “everyone’s favorite uncle” and “the absolute best” of the brothers. His daughter Ever continues the family’s legacy, ensuring that the Carradine name lives on.
Robert Carradine’s Early Life and Family Background
Born into the entertainment world on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, Robert was the youngest son of John Carradine and Sonia Sorel, his second wife. Growing up surrounded by his father’s illustrious career, Robert initially aspired to be a race car driver rather than an actor.
It was his brother David who encouraged him to audition for The Cowboys, suggesting he had “everything to gain, and nothing to lose.” That push initiated a career that would see him collaborate with renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Hal Ashby, and Quentin Tarantino, confirming that talent indeed ran in his family.