Robert Carradine, a prolific actor best known for his roles in the 1984 comedy classic Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died. He was 71 years old. Carradine’s family confirmed his death on Monday, revealing he had been battling bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and died by suicide. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, alongside a call to address the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The Carradine family shared a statement with Deadline, describing Carradine as “a beacon of light” and acknowledging his “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder. They expressed hope that his journey would encourage open conversations and reduce the shame often associated with mental health challenges. His brother, Keith Carradine, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We want people to know it and there is no shame in it.”
Born on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, Robert Carradine came from a renowned acting family. He was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and part of a lineage that included his brothers, David and Keith, both too successful actors. Carradine began his career in the early 1970s, appearing in films like The Cowboys (1972) alongside John Wayne, and securing roles in Coming Home and Martin Scorsese’s Signify Streets.
Carradine’s breakthrough role came with Revenge of the Nerds, where he played Lewis Skolnick, a central figure in the beloved comedy. He reportedly spent time undercover at the University of Arizona to authentically portray a college student, immersing himself in the role and connecting with real-life “nerds.” He reprised the role in three sequels released in 1987, 1992, and 1994.
Later in his career, Carradine found a new audience as Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s character in the popular Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. He appeared in 65 episodes of the show between 2001 and 2004, becoming a familiar face to a younger generation.
The actor’s personal life was marked by both joy and hardship. He is survived by his daughter, Ever Carradine, an actress herself, from his relationship with Susan Snyder. He later married Edith Mani, with whom he had two children, Marika and Ian, before their divorce in 2015. During the divorce proceedings in 2017, Mani TheWrap reported, alleged Carradine had been involved in a car crash in Colorado in 2015, with Carradine acknowledging he was experiencing a “psychotic state” at the time.
Carradine’s death follows the passing of his older half-brother, David Carradine, in 2009. According to reports, David Carradine died from asphyxiation in a hotel room in Thailand. Robert Carradine later shared that his brother’s death triggered his own mental health struggles, ultimately leading to his diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
The acting world has lost a versatile talent whose work spanned decades and genres. From Westerns to comedies to family-friendly television, Robert Carradine left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His family’s courageous decision to share the details of his battle with bipolar disorder serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.
As the entertainment community mourns his loss, the conversation surrounding mental health continues to gain momentum. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7 for those in need of support. The legacy of Robert Carradine will undoubtedly extend beyond his on-screen performances, inspiring greater empathy and understanding for those living with mental illness.
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