Beloved Actor Robert Carradine of ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Fame Passes Away at 71

LOS ANGELES — Renowned actor Robert Carradine, celebrated for his performances in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” has passed away at the age of 71.

For nearly 20 years, Carradine struggled with bipolar disorder, a battle that ultimately led to his passing, according to a statement from his family to Deadline.

“We hope his journey can illuminate the importance of addressing the stigma associated with mental illness,” the Carradine family expressed.

Part of the illustrious Carradine acting dynasty, Robert was the son of esteemed actor John Carradine and brother to actors David, Keith, and Christopher Carradine, with Christopher having served as a former vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering.

In a heartfelt tribute, Carradine’s daughter, actress Ever Carradine, honored her father with a touching Instagram post.

“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,” she wrote.

For younger generations, Carradine is known for playing Hilary Duff’s father on “Lizzie McGuire.”

“This one hurts. 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,” Duff wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Carradine had a long career in television and film. He played Lewis in the long-running “Revenge of the Nerds” movie franchise, and also appeared in the Oscar-winning film “Coming Home” in 1978.

The actor made his film debut in 1972 in “The Cowboys” with John Wayne.