Robert Carradine, an American actor best known for his roles in the comedy film Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71.
Lizzie McGuire actor Robert Carradine has died
His family confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that the actor had taken his own life after living with bipolar disorder for almost two decades.
In their announcement, the Carradine family said they decided to speak openly about the cause of death to encourage conversations about mental health and reduce stigma. “We want people to know that, and there’s no shame in it,” his brother, actor Keith Carradine, told Deadline.
Carradine’s death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans who remembered him as a warm-hearted performer whose work spanned decades of comedies, TV dramas and family entertainment.
Among those to pay tribute was actress Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter in Lizzie McGuire. She wrote on Instagram: “This hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality of an old friend.” Duff’s message echoed the emotional response of many who grew up watching the early 2000s series, where Carradine played Lizzie’s supportive father, Sam McGuire.
A career shaped by a Hollywood legacy
Born on March 24, 1954, Carradine came from one of Hollywood’s most respected acting families. He was the youngest son of veteran actor John Carradine and the younger brother of actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine. Acting was a natural path for him, although he initially entered the industry with modest expectations.
Throughout his career, Robert Carradine has appeared in a wide variety of films and has built a reputation as a reliable character actor across comedy, drama and western genres. He made his screen debut in The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne, who introduced him to Hollywood audiences at a young age.
He later gained attention for roles in films such as Mean Streets, directed by Martin Scorsese, where he appeared in a supporting role during the early stage of his career. These projects helped establish him as a versatile artist willing to take on smaller but meaningful parts while developing his craft.
Carradine’s biggest film success came in Revenge of the Nerds, where he played Lewis Skolnick, a socially awkward college student who leads a group of outsiders against campus bullies.
The film became a cult classic and spawned several sequels, cementing its place in the comedy film of the 80s. He continued in films including Cannonball Run II and later in independent productions, often portraying relatable, unconventional characters. While blockbuster fame was never his main focus, his steady filmography reflected a long career defined by his adaptability and willingness to work across different narrative styles.
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While comedy defined much of his early fame, Carradine later found renewed popularity on television. His role on Lizzie McGuire introduced him to a younger generation of viewers who knew him more as a caring and funny father than a college comedy star.
Over the years, he has appeared in numerous television shows, indie films and guest roles, building a reputation as a reliable character actor capable of balancing humor with emotional depth.
