Actor Robert Carradine, the beloved star known for his roles in 'Revenge of the Nerds,' 'Lizzie McGuire,' and 'The Long Riders,' has sadly passed away at 71. His family confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement to Deadline on Monday, 23 February.
His older brother, Keith Carradine, revealed that the veteran actor had privately battled bipolar disorder for two decades, and unfortunately, the illness got the best of him. In an effort to turn the tragedy into a source of light and hope, Carradine's family decided to share his struggle, hoping his story would raise vital awareness for mental health.
In honor of his legacy, here are five photos in remembrance of the actor and the indelible mark he left on the industry.
Robert Carradine's Family Statement on his Passing
In a statement sent to Deadline, Robert Carradine's family has announced his passing after his 20-year battle with bipolar disorder. Carradine was 71 years old and was about to celebrate his 72nd birthday on 24 March.
According to his older brother, Keith Carradine, the mental illness got the best of his younger brother, Bobby.
The statement read: '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. 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 veteran actor is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
Family Hopes His Death Sheds Light on Mental Health
Keith also said their family revealed Carradine's struggles as they wanted the world to know about his brother's mental illness in hopes of raising awareness. 'We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,' he said.
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's older half-brother, David, died aged 72 from asphyxiation in a hotel room in Thailand in 2009, a tragedy that triggered the mental illness, which was eventually diagnosed as bipolar disorder, an illness that the actor faced for 20 years.
Who is Robert Carradine? His Filmography and Legacy
Bobby was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and a brother of actors David, Keith, and Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine. The veteran actor was born on 24 March 1954.
In 1973, he made his big screen debut in 'The Cowboys,' a role his brother David convinced him to audition for by telling him he 'had everything to gain, and nothing to lose.'
His two films were in the Cannes Film Festival in 1980: The Big Red One, with Mark Hamill and Lee Marvin, and Walter Hill's The Long Riders, with his brothers, David and Keith.
But his biggest film success was the 1984 'Revenge of the Nerds,' a role that made him a part of a generation's consciousness and went on to become one of the most beloved franchises of the decade.
He also portrayed the father in the Lizzie McGuire series. Apart from acting, Carradine also has a deep love for playing the guitar, especially with brothers, Keith and David.
Bobby is a dad to actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder, and has raised her as a single dad until 1990 when he met Edith Mani, with whom he welcomed two more children, Marika and Ian.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Based on the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), Carradine was not alone in fighting bipolar disorder. Worldwide, approximately 40 million people live with bipolar disorder, making it a major focus of global mental health awareness and support initiatives, but what exactly is it?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by significant episodes of mania and depression separated by periods of stable mood.
During manic episodes, individuals experience an abnormally elevated or irritable mood, excessive energy, and a decreased need for sleep, which can lead to impulsive behavior.
In contrast, during the depressive episodes, the person experiences profound sadness, a loss of interest in activities, and low energy levels that interfere with daily functioning.
The WHO emphasizes that while the exact causes are a complex mix of genetic, environmental, and biological factors, the disorder is highly manageable with proper treatment. This typically includes a combination of psychosocial interventions and medicines called mood stabilizers to help maintain emotional balance.
