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Actor Robert Carradine, widely recognized for his performances in "Revenge of the Nerds" and the Disney television series "Lizzie McGuire," has died at the age of 71, according to a report by Deadline.
His family confirmed that the actor took his own life following a long struggle with bipolar disorder.
Carradine built up a career that spanned more than six decades, during which he took on roles across both television and cinema. Beginning in the early 1970s, he appeared in popular American series such as "Bonanza," "Kung Fu," and "The Cowboys," gradually carving out a place for himself within the entertainment industry.
Over time, he went on to accumulate around 150 television and film credits, a body of work that reflected steady involvement in mainstream American productions. For many international viewers, however, he became most familiar as "Sam McGuire," the father figure in the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire," a show that reached global audiences and helped introduce him to a younger generation.
In a statement shared with Deadline, Carradine’s family described him as a source of warmth and positivity despite personal challenges. They said: “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 of light to everyone around him.”
The family also pointed to his nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder, expressing hope that his experience might help encourage open discussion around mental health and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. They asked for privacy as they came to terms with what they called an unfathomable loss.
Bipolar disorder, referenced in the statement, is a psychiatric illness that can cause alternating periods of depression and elevated mood, often requiring long-term treatment and support.
Carradine’s older brother, actor Keith Carradine, told Deadline that the family deliberately chose to speak openly about Robert’s condition. He emphasized that there should be no shame attached to mental illness and described it as an illness that ultimately overwhelmed his brother.
Reflecting on Robert Carradine’s personality, he said: “We want people to know 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 beautiful soul.”
He added that the family would remember the actor for his humor, wisdom and accepting nature, qualities they said defined him both professionally and personally.
Across television eras and changing audience tastes, Carradine managed to stay active in the industry, moving between dramatic and comedic roles while continuing to show up on screen for new audiences. His performances, particularly in cult comedy films and family television programming, helped him remain recognizable to viewers across generations in the United States and abroad.
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