Entertainment

Robert Carradine, a character actor best known for his roles in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds” and the Disney Channel series “Lizzie McGuire,” has died. He was 71 years vintage. Carradine’s family confirmed his death on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, revealing he had been battling bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and fans remembering his warmth and comedic timing.

Carradine’s career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, and even game show hosting. Even as he appeared in numerous projects, he achieved widespread recognition as Lewis Skolnick, the endearing and often-quoted leader of the nerds in “Revenge of the Nerds.” His distinctive, guttural laugh became a signature element of the character, cementing his place in pop culture history. More recently, a new generation knew him as Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s character in “Lizzie McGuire,” a role that showcased his ability to portray relatable and supportive parental figures.

Born on March 24, 1954, Carradine came from a prolific acting family. He was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and the brother of actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine, as well as Christopher Carradine, a former vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, according to CNN. His brother, Keith Carradine, shared with The Associated Press that Robert died by suicide, and the family wanted to be open about his long struggle with bipolar disorder, hoping it would encourage others to seek help and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Hilary Duff, who starred alongside Carradine in “Lizzie McGuire,” expressed her grief on Instagram, writing, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend.” She continued, recalling the warmth of the on-screen McGuire family and her gratitude for the care she felt from her “on-screen parents.” Jake Thomas, another “Lizzie McGuire” cast member, also shared his sadness on Instagram, describing Carradine as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet.”

Carradine’s daughter, Ever Carradine, also paid tribute to her father on Instagram, remembering his playful spirit and unwavering support. Actor Martha Plimpton, Carradine’s niece, described him as “the best one of all 8 brothers; blood, adopted, and step” in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Beyond “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” Carradine’s filmography included roles in “The Long Riders” and numerous other projects. He also co-hosted the game show “King of the Nerds” alongside Curtis Armstrong, further embracing his connection to the “nerd” culture that had defined much of his career. A photo from the 2013 TNT and TBS Upfront event shows Carradine and Armstrong together, highlighting their camaraderie.

Robert Carradine attends the TNT and TBS 2013 Upfront at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York on May 15, 2013. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Carradine’s passing underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges and reducing the stigma associated with bipolar disorder. His family’s openness about his struggle serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The actor’s decades-long career and the affection he garnered from audiences demonstrate the lasting impact of his talent and personality.

As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Robert Carradine, his work will continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences for generations to come. His contributions to comedy and television, particularly his iconic portrayal of Lewis Skolnick, have secured his place as a beloved figure in entertainment history. The entertainment world has lost a talented and cherished performer.

Please share your favorite memories of Robert Carradine in the comments below, and feel free to share this article with others who may appreciate his work.

Éliane Radigue, a hugely influential French composer and a central figure in the development of musique concrète and electronic music, has died at the age of 94. The news was announced today, February 24, 2026, by the Paris-based experimental music center INA GRM, where she had a long association. Radigue’s passing marks the end of an era for experimental sound and a profound loss for the global music community.

Born in Paris in 1932, Radigue initially pursued piano studies but found her artistic path irrevocably altered by the groundbreaking electroacoustic compositions of Pierre Schaeffer in the early 1950s. This early exposure sparked a lifelong dedication to exploring the possibilities of sound, leading her to become a pioneer in manipulating and shaping sonic landscapes. Her perform, often described as meditative and immersive, challenged conventional notions of musical structure and composition.

Radigue began her formal musical education under Schaeffer and Pierre Henry at Studio d’Essai de la Radiodiffusion Nationale in 1955, learning the techniques of tape manipulation that defined the early days of musique concrète. As she recalled in a 2011 interview with The Guardian, her early work involved “cutting, splicing and editing tape,” a process she embraced as an apprentice in a largely male-dominated field. “I was there to learn, and I was learning by doing,” she explained, emphasizing the practical, hands-on nature of her initial training. Read more about her early influences here.

In the early 1970s, Radigue turned to the synthesizer, specifically the ARP 2500, which became central to her creative process for the next three decades. She described “digging under its skin,” using the instrument to create shape-shifting, drone-based music characterized by feedback and tape hiss. This period saw the development of her signature sound – long-form, deeply resonant compositions that explored the subtle nuances of electronic timbre and texture.

Radigue’s innovative approach resonated with a generation of composers on both sides of the Atlantic. She connected with American minimalist composers like Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Terry Riley, who recognized her unique contribution to the evolving landscape of experimental music. Reich himself noted that their generation’s work wasn’t a revolution, but “a restoration of harmony and rhythm in a whole new way,” as reported by DJ Mag.

From Synthesisers to Acoustic Instruments

As her career progressed, Radigue shifted her focus, moving away from purely electronic soundscapes and towards acoustic instruments. In the 2000s, she embarked on the Occam series, a prolific body of work featuring collaborations with solo musicians and ensembles. These compositions, often inspired by the vastness of the sea, were designed as immersive, drone-based experiences, offering a sonic antidote to the frenetic pace of modern life. The Occam series continued to evolve, with the latest installment, ‘Occam XXV’ performed by Frédéric Blondy, released in 2023 by Organ Reframed.

INA GRM, in their announcement of her death, celebrated Radigue’s “unparalleled freedom and vision,” acknowledging her as a “major figure in musical creation.” Her influence extends far beyond the realm of electronic music, impacting sound art, installation work, and contemporary composition. She similarly spent time in New York with her husband, artist Arman, and was exposed to the American art scene, meeting figures like John Cage and Morton Subotnik. Radio France Music details her time in New York.

Éliane Radigue’s legacy is one of uncompromising artistic exploration and a relentless pursuit of sonic innovation. Her work continues to inspire and challenge listeners, offering a unique and profound experience of sound. The impact of her decades-long career will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come as musicians and artists continue to explore the boundaries of sonic expression she so boldly pushed.

As the music world mourns her loss, the focus now turns to preserving and celebrating her extensive body of work, ensuring that her pioneering spirit continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her catalogue is available to explore on platforms like Bandcamp, offering a gateway into the captivating world of Éliane Radigue’s sound.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Éliane Radigue in the comments below.

The fallout from John Davidson’s involuntary outburst at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) continues, sparking a crucial conversation about Tourette’s syndrome and the complexities of involuntary actions. During Sunday’s ceremony, Davidson, a disability activist, emitted a racial slur while presenting alongside Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, an incident that was mistakenly included in the BBC’s broadcast. Now, Baylen Dupree, star of the TLC reality show “Baylen Out Loud” and a vocal advocate for Tourette’s awareness, is offering a vital perspective on the neurological disorder and challenging assumptions about intent.

Dupree, who documents her life with Tourette’s syndrome for a large online audience – including 10.8 million followers on TikTok – released a statement Tuesday addressing the incident. Her aim, she explained, was to provide insight into the nature of tics and to counter the immediate rush to judgment that followed Davidson’s outburst. The incident has ignited debate, with some, including actor Jamie Foxx, suggesting the slur was intentional, a claim Dupree strongly disputes.

In her statement, Dupree emphasized that verbal tics are not expressions of hidden thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Instead, they are involuntary impulses, akin to a hiccup or a sneeze. “These verbal tics are not thoughts, opinions or beliefs hidden deep beneath the surface—they are involuntary impulses—no different than a hiccup or a sneeze,” Dupree wrote. She explained that tics often stem from underlying anxiety or fear, resulting in a “misfire” in the brain, rather than from malice or prejudice. This distinction is critical, she argues, in understanding the experience of those living with Tourette’s.

Dupree acknowledges the weight and historical significance of the slur, stating that “history matters and words have meaning.” Although, she stresses the importance of recognizing the neurological reality of Tourette’s, where individuals often find themselves apologizing for expressions they do not consciously intend. She implores the public to remember that tics originate in the brain, not the heart, and are a result of neurological misfirings.

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics, as explained by the Tourette Association of America. These tics can range from simple motor movements like eye blinking and head jerking to more complex behaviors, such as repeating observed movements. Dupree’s platform, “Baylen Out Loud,” which premiered on TLC in January 2025 and is currently in its second season, offers a raw and unfiltered look at living with the condition, documenting the challenges and triumphs of managing her symptoms. According to a November 2025 interview with USA Today, Dupree felt compelled to share her story after being filmed having a tic in a store, wanting to control the narrative surrounding her condition.

Dupree’s advocacy comes at a time when awareness of Tourette’s syndrome is growing, but misconceptions persist. She has faced online harassment and accusations of faking her condition, highlighting the stigma that individuals with Tourette’s often encounter. Despite these challenges, Dupree continues to use her platform to educate and advocate, fostering a more understanding and compassionate environment. Fans have too expressed concern for Dupree, noting the intensity of her tics in recent videos, as reported by Parade.

Davidson himself issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, and the BBC has apologized for failing to remove the offensive language from the broadcast. The incident has prompted a wider discussion about the representation of disability and the importance of understanding neurological conditions. Dupree’s voice adds a crucial layer to this conversation, reminding us that involuntary actions do not necessarily reflect underlying beliefs.

As the conversation surrounding Davidson’s outburst continues, Dupree’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy and understanding when confronting neurological differences. The incident underscores the importance of educating the public about Tourette’s syndrome and challenging the harmful stereotypes that often surround it. It remains to be seen how this event will shape future discussions about disability representation and inclusivity in the media.

What are your thoughts on the importance of understanding neurological conditions like Tourette’s syndrome? Share your perspective in the comments below.