Robert Carradine, who starred in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71.
The American actor was best known for playing Lizzie’s dad, Sam, in the children’s show. He took his own life after struggling with bipolar disorder for 20 years.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. 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.”
They continued: “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.”
Carradine’s brother Keith spoke out about the actor’s mental health difficulties, saying that his family want people to know that “there is no shame in it”. He added: “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 is survived by his three children, Ever, Marica Reed and Ian Alexander, as well as his grandchildren, brothers, nephews and nieces – including The Goonies star Martha Plimpton.
The actor, who was the son of House of Frankenstein’s John Carradine and came from a family of actors, made his film debut in 1972, taking on a role in The Cowboys, before landing a role in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets a year later. He later appeared in the Oscar-winning film Coming Home alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight
Carradine acted opposite his brothers, David and Keith, in Walter Hill film The Long Riders before shooting to fame in 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, in which he played geek Lewis Skolnick. However, the younger generation know him best for playing Lizzie’s reliable dad Sam in hit Disney series Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004.
His co-star Hilary Duff paid tribute to her onscreen dad with an emotional Instagram post, writing: “This one hurts.”
She added: “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 onscreen 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.”
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If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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