Robert Carradine Cause of Death: Actor Dies at 71 After Nearly Two-Decade Battle With Bipolar Disorder
Robert Carradine, the beloved Hollywood actor best known for Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, died on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. His family confirmed that the Robert Carradine cause of death was suicide, following an almost 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder that was kept private until now.
Robert Carradine Cause of Death Confirmed by Family
The Carradine family released a formal statement confirming the tragic news. Brother and manager Keith Carradine stated that Robert "succumbed to bipolar disorder after fighting it for almost 20 years." The family described him as "a beacon of light" in a world that can feel dark.
The statement called for an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness. "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," Keith said. "It is an illness that got the best of him."
Robert Carradine's Private Battle With Bipolar Disorder
Robert Carradine's bipolar disorder diagnosis had never been made public during his lifetime. His family revealed that the condition was triggered by the 2009 death of his older half-brother, David Carradine, who died in a hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the years that followed, Robert quietly fought to manage the illness while continuing his acting career. He had over 150 screen credits and was still active in film and television circles as recently as late 2025, attending industry festivals and conventions.
Hollywood Career That Spanned Five Decades
Born in Hollywood in 1954, Robert Carradine came from one of the most celebrated acting dynasties in film history. He made his screen debut in 1971 and acted opposite John Wayne in his 1972 film debut. Early roles in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets and the Vietnam War drama Coming Home established him as a serious talent.
His breakout moment came in 1984 with Revenge of the Nerds, where he played the iconic Lewis Skolnick. The role was beloved enough to spawn three sequels and cemented his status as a fan favorite.
Tributes From Lizzie McGuire Co-Stars Pour In
Robert Carradine's role as Sam McGuire, the warm and goofy TV dad on Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire, introduced him to a new generation of fans. Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter, wrote on Instagram that "this one hurts," adding that she was "deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering."
Co-star Jake Thomas, who played his TV son Matt McGuire, called him "one of the coolest guys you could ever meet — funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric." Hallie Todd, who played his on-screen wife, described him as "brave, strong, kind" with "a wicked sense of humor."
Daughter Ever Carradine Shares Heartfelt Tribute
Robert Carradine is survived by three children: Marica Reed Carradine, Ian Carradine, and actress Ever Carradine, who shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram. "I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back," she wrote.
Ever described her father as "a lover, not a fighter" who was "all heart." She urged followers to ask her about her father and the memories they shared. "Rest easy, dad. I love you the most," she concluded.
Mental Health Awareness at the Center of Robert Carradine's Legacy
The Carradine family is using Robert's passing to amplify mental health awareness. Keith Carradine emphasized that bipolar disorder is a real illness and that there is no shame in suffering from it. The family hopes Robert's story encourages others to seek help.
Robert Carradine's cause of death is now part of a broader conversation about mental health in Hollywood and beyond. His legacy as an actor, father, and human being remains firmly intact, remembered by co-stars, fans, and family alike as a man full of warmth and light.
