Robert Carradine, known for his roles in the TV show Lizzie McGuire and film franchise Revenge Of The Nerds, died yesterday (Monday February 23) at the age of 71.
A member of the prestigious Carradine acting family, which included brothers David (Kill Bill) and Keith (Dexter), Deadline reported that the actor took his own life after a long battle with Bipolar Disorder. He found fame in the cult Revenge Of The Nerds movies as lead character Lewis Skolnick. He would also have small roles in Martin Scorsese classic Mean Streets, as well as Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.
On television, he would be best known for playing Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s title character in the Lizzie McGuire series, from 2001 to 2004. He was also a part of the cast of the big screen spin-off, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, released in 2003.
His family confirmed in a statement: “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 on light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.”
The statement concluded: We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
On Instagram, Hilary Duff paid tribute to her former co-star with a picture of the pair, and the caption: “This one hurts. 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. My heart aches for him , his family, and everyone who loved him.”
Robert Carradine is survived by his children, Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine, as well as his niece, actress Martha Plimpton.
For help and advice on mental health:
‘Am I depressed?‘ – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians
Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues
YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably for young men
Time To Change – Let’s end mental health discrimination
The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day
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