Ever Carradine and Others Remember Robert Carradine as Bipolar Struggle Ended in Suicide at 71
The family of Robert Carradine says the actor’s death was the culmination of a longtime battle with mental illness. Ever Carradine is among those remembering him after his death by suicide at age 71; his brother Keith Carradine confirmed the news in a Feb. 24 statement and described a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder. The disclosure has prompted tributes that emphasize both his artistic life and the need to address stigma around mental illness.
Ever Carradine and family remembrances
Multiple relatives and castmates have posted memories of Robert Carradine. His daughter, identified in coverage as an actor, reflected on growing up with a single father in Laurel Canyon in the 1970s and 1980s, saying she always knew he loved her and describing him as a lover, not a fighter, and "all heart. " A niece called him the best of the many brothers in the extended family, remembered being cuddled by him as a child, and praised his kindness and acting gifts. Castmates from the "Lizzie McGuire" set expressed sorrow that Carradine had been suffering and gratitude for the warmth his onscreen family offered them. Another longtime co-star called him cool, funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky and a talented actor, musician and director who was family to many.
Family statement and Keith Carradine's comments
The family issued a statement describing profound sadness at the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother, calling Robert a beacon of light and asking for privacy to grieve. The statement acknowledged his valiant, nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder and expressed hope that his journey could help reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. Keith Carradine expanded on that message, saying the family wanted the public to know about Robert's struggle, that there is no shame in it, and that his illness ultimately got the best of him. Keith described his brother as profoundly gifted, funny, wise, accepting and tolerant.
What was said about his death and timing
Public notices of Robert Carradine's death stated he died by suicide at age 71. The confirmation appeared in a Feb. 24 family statement; other notices noted the death was announced late on the preceding Monday. The family has asked for privacy while they grieve.
Bipolar disorder context mentioned by the family
The family framed Carradine's death in the context of bipolar disorder. The condition, formerly called manic depression, is defined as a mental illness that can cause unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and concentration. Coverage referenced three types of the disorder—Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Cyclothymic disorder—and noted that Bipolar I is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least one week, during which a person may experience prolonged mood instability and extreme increases in energy or euphoria, or conversely profound depression or irritability. It was also noted that an estimated 4. 4% of U. S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time, a figure that amounts to about 11. 3 million people, and that other public figures have discussed living with bipolar disorder, including Carrie Fisher, Kanye "Ye" West, Selena Gomez and Halsey.
Career highlights and family film lore
Robert Carradine’s career spanned film and television. He was widely known for playing Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy "Revenge of the Nerds, " sharing that role with Anthony Edwards, and for playing the father on the television series "Lizzie McGuire. " He also appeared in films such as "Mean Streets" and "Coming Home" alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. He made his big‑screen debut in 1972 opposite John Wayne in "The Cowboys. " In 1980 he had two films shown at Cannes: "The Big Red One, " with Mark Hamill and Lee Marvin, and "The Long Riders, " directed by Walter Hill, in which Robert and his brothers David and Keith played the Younger brothers. The casting on that film included other real-life brothers: James and Stacy Keach, Randy and Dennis Quaid, and Christopher and Nicholas Guest. Family anecdotes from production note that David Carradine bought a horse named Z‑Tan during shooting that later lived on Robert's Hollywood Hills property, and that in the 1980s his daughter Ever Carradine was sometimes seen riding that horse between their home and Runyon Canyon.
Survivors, legacy and resources
Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews and many who knew him professionally. The family has requested privacy. In light of the circumstances surrounding his death, notices included contact options for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts: call 988 any time, or use the Crisis Text Line by dialing 741741. Recent updates indicate more remembrances and tributes may follow as family and colleagues continue to process the loss.
