Robert Carradine, the versatile actor who transitioned from 1970s grit to becoming a beloved pop-culture icon in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71, according to deadline.com.
The Carradine family confirmed in a statement to deadline.com that the actor took his own life following a “valiant” twenty-year struggle with Bipolar Disorder. His brother, the veteran actor Keith Carradine, described Robert as the “bedrock” of their storied Hollywood clan.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light,” the family statement read. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Born in 1954 to legendary actor John Carradine, Robert was the youngest of a prolific brotherhood that included David and Keith. He made his cinematic debut in 1972’s The Cowboys alongside John Wayne, a role he secured after David told him he had “everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
Carradine quickly established himself as a formidable talent, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets (1973) and the Oscar-winning Coming Home (1978). His range was further showcased in 1980 when he appeared in two Cannes Film Festival entries: Samuel Fuller’s The Big Red One and Walter Hill’s The Long Riders, the latter of which saw him star alongside his real-life brothers.
Despite his dramatic pedigree, Carradine earned his place in the cultural zeitgeist in 1984 as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. The character’s distinctive laugh and underdog spirit launched a successful franchise and endeared him to a generation.
Years later, he found a new demographic of fans playing Sam McGuire, the gentle and supportive father on the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire. Co-stars, including Hilary Duff, have since shared tributes remembering his “fatherly support” on set.
Off-camera, Carradine was a man of diverse passions. A self-taught guitarist, he frequently performed with his brothers and folk legends like Peter Yarrow. He was also a competitive racing driver, reaching the Grand Prix level and racing for Team Lotus alongside Paul Newman.
Carradine is survived by his three children, including actress Ever Carradine, whom he raised as a single father for many years, his grandchildren, and his brothers.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve, while Keith Carradine emphasised that there is “no shame” in the illness his brother fought. “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
•Featured image: Robert Carradine/deadline.com
