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Robert Carradine, the actor who rose to fame with his role in “Revenge Of The Nerds” and later captivated audiences in Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire,” has passed away at the age of 71.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his family, who issued a heartfelt statement to Deadline, reporting that Carradine died on Monday. He belonged to the renowned Carradine family, a lineage of actors which includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David.
His family disclosed that Carradine had been grappling with bipolar disorder for over twenty years, a battle that ended with him taking his own life.
In their poignant message, the family expressed, “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away.”
The statement continued with a touching tribute: “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.”
Carradine’s family said they were ‘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,’ the statement concluded.
The actor Robert Carradine, who got his big break in Revenge Of The Nerds and later starred on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71. His family said in a statement to Deadline that he took his own life after battling bipolar disorder for two decades; pictured in 2023 in LA
Robert pictured with brother Keith this past October in LA
Daily Mail reached out to representatives for Carradine’s brother, Keith, and his niece, actress Martha Plimpton.
Robert was born March 24, 1954 in Los Angeles into the Carradine show business family.
His parents were actors John Carradine and Sonia Sorel, and his brothers were Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine; and actors Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine, who died in June of 2009.
Robert began working as a child actor, with his first appearance in motion pictures coming in 1972 in The Cowboys with John Wayne.
He also appeared in the 1973’s Main Street from feted filmmaker Martin Scorsese; and in the famed 1978 movie Coming Home with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight.
One of his most prominent roles came in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, which also starred Anthony Edwards, Curtis Armstrong and Timothy Busfield.
Anthony Edwards and Robert Carradine pictured in the 1984 hit Revenge Of The Nerds
Online, a number of fans were remembering Robert warmly, frequently mentioning his work in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire.
Robert appeared alongside brothers David and Keith in 1980s The Long Riders, which also featured members of famed Hollywood acting families such as the Quaids, Guests and Keach family.
Online, a number of fans were remembering Robert warmly, frequently mentioning his work in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire.
‘Losing Robert Carradine at 71 is a tough one,’ said one X user. ‘A generation of kids grew up watching him as Sam McGuire and he brought a warmth to that role that made the whole show feel like home. Rest easy.’
One fan said, ‘Sad news. Loved him in Revenge of the Nerds. RIP Robert.’
Another said. ‘That’s a shame … a good laugh he brought to the screen—71’s far too young to be leaving us. Cheers to his memories!’
Robert is survived by children Ever, Marika and Ian, in addition to grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.