Robert Carradine Dead at 71: Lizzie McGuire Dad and Revenge of the Nerds Star Succumbs to Bipolar Disorder

Robert Carradine, the beloved Hollywood actor best known for playing Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and Sam McGuire — the dad from Lizzie McGuire — died Monday, February 23, 2026. He was 71 years old. His family confirmed he took his own life after nearly two decades battling bipolar disorder, calling his fight "valiant" and urging an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Robert Carradine Cause of Death: A Nearly 20-Year Battle With Bipolar Disorder

The Robert Carradine cause of death was suicide following a prolonged struggle with bipolar disorder. His family revealed that his mental illness was triggered by the 2009 death of his older half-brother David Carradine, after which Robert was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

The Carradine family released a statement saying: "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of 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. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness."

Keith Carradine Speaks Out: "No Shame" in Mental Illness

Brother and manager Keith Carradine was among the first to address the public. Keith said the family wants people to understand there is "no shame" in the illness that ultimately got the best of Robert, remembering his younger brother as profoundly gifted, funny, wise, and accepting.

Keith described Robert as "the bedrock of his family" and said, "We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That's who my baby brother was."

Lewis Skolnick to Sam McGuire: Robert Carradine's Most Iconic Roles

Robert Carradine built a career spanning more than 50 years and over 150 credits. His most defining roles at a glance:

His TV debut came on Bonanza in 1971, and his film debut opposite John Wayne in The Cowboys in 1972 gave him an introduction few actors ever receive.

The Lizzie McGuire Cast Remembers Bobby

Tributes from the Lizzie McGuire cast poured in quickly. Hilary Duff, who played Lizzie McGuire alongside Carradine as her on-screen dad, wrote on Instagram: "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."

Co-star Jake Thomas called him "one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric."

Ever Carradine and Martha Plimpton Pay Tribute to the Carradine Family Patriarch

Robert's daughter Ever Carradine, known for The Handmaid's Tale, posted a moving tribute. She wrote: "My sweet, funny dad, who's only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone."

Actress Martha Plimpton, his niece, wrote on Instagram: "My Uncle Bobby was the best one of all 8 brothers; blood, adopted, and step. Out of all of them, he was the absolute best."

The Carradine Brothers: A Hollywood Dynasty

Robert was born March 24, 1954 in Hollywood, the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine. The Carradine brothers — Robert, Keith, David, and Christopher — formed one of Hollywood's most celebrated acting dynasties. David Carradine, Robert's half-brother, died in 2009 and was widely known for the TV series Kung Fu and the Kill Bill films. Robert is survived by his children Ever, Marika Reed, and Ian Alexander Carradine, along with grandchildren, brothers, and extended family.