Robert Carradine, a prolific character actor best known for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds and as the father in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, has died. He was 71 years old. Carradine died by suicide on Monday, February 23, 2026, after a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder, his family confirmed in a statement.
The Carradine family described him as a “beacon of light” and emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness. His brother, Keith Carradine, told Deadline, “We want people to recognize it, and there is no shame in it. It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his lovely soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
Born Robert Reed Carradine on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, he was part of a renowned acting family, including siblings Keith and David Carradine. According to Wikipedia, Carradine began his career with appearances in television Westerns like Bonanza in 1971 and the John Wayne film The Cowboys in 1972.
Although his brother David achieved greater mainstream recognition, Robert Carradine forged a steady career in film and television, working with acclaimed directors such as Martin Scorsese (Signify Streets), Hal Ashby (Coming Home), and Samuel Fuller (The Big Red One). He often appeared alongside his brother David, including in Walter Hill’s The Long Riders and Paul Bartel’s Cannonball.
Carradine’s most iconic role came with Revenge of the Nerds, where he portrayed Lewis Skolnick, the leader of a group of college outcasts, delivering a memorable performance characterized by his distinctive laugh. He reprised the role in sequels and continued to embrace the character through appearances on Robot Chicken and as a co-host on the pop culture competition indicate King of the Nerds, alongside Curtis Armstrong.
Robert Carradine, left, and Curtis Armstrong, co-hosts of the game show “King of the Nerds” appear at the TNT and TBS 2013 Upfront in New York on May 15, 2013. (Everett Collection. Getty Images)
From Racing to Fatherhood: A Versatile Career
Beyond acting, Carradine pursued a passion for racing in the late 1980s and 1990s, competing as a driver for Lotus, according to his family’s statement. In the 2000s, he found success on television again, playing the father of Hilary Duff’s character in the Disney Channel’s popular series, Lizzie McGuire.
Duff expressed her sadness upon learning of Carradine’s death, writing on Instagram, “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. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering.”
A Late-Career Renaissance
Even as his projects shifted in scale, Carradine continued to function. A notable late-career role came in Quentin Tarantino’s 2012 film, Django Unchained, where he was cast after Tarantino spotted a photograph of Carradine described as “very furry” by Carradine himself in a 2013 interview with Popdose.
Carradine’s personal life included a 2015 car crash in Colorado that injured both him and his then-wife, Edith Mani. The couple later divorced after more than 25 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children, Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine.
Ever Carradine shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad… We were in it together.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Robert Carradine’s career spanned decades, marked by a willingness to embrace diverse roles and a resilience in navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Lewis Skolnick remains a beloved touchstone for a generation, and his contributions to film and television will continue to be appreciated.
The entertainment community mourns the loss of a talented actor who battled personal demons with courage. His family’s openness about his struggle with bipolar disorder serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, and support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for aid. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada.
As the industry reflects on Carradine’s life and work, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire continued conversations about mental health and the importance of compassion within the entertainment world.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Robert Carradine in the comments below.
