Exclusive: Ted McGinley, Robert Carradine Clashed on ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ Set

Actor Ted McGinley recalled early friction with Robert Carradine on the set of the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds. McGinley played the Adams College quarterback who taunted Lewis Skolnick and other nerds.

On-set friction and reconciliation

In an exclusive interview with Filmogaz.com, McGinley said he and Carradine clashed at first. He recalled arriving to a chilly atmosphere where the nerd characters kept their distance. That posture matched the adversarial roles they played on screen.

Two weeks of night shoots helped break the ice and shift dynamics. The cast spent long hours together and bonds began to form. John Goodman, Timothy Busfield, Donald Gibb and Matt Salinger were part of that ensemble.

Performance and prediction

In McGinley’s view, Carradine’s braying laugh made the role come alive. He said that laugh convinced him the movie would work and praised Anthony Edwards as a strong comic partner.

Carradine’s death and family statement

Robert Carradine died by suicide in February at age 71. His family said he had battled bipolar disorder for years. They described him as a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother and referenced his nearly two-decade struggle with the condition.

McGinley’s recent work and reflections

McGinley, 67, currently appears on the Apple+ series Shrinking. He said working opposite Harrison Ford exceeded his expectations. McGinley praised Ford’s kindness toward crew members and called the experience a gift.

He said he never imagined getting a chance to perform with a star of that stature. McGinley also remembered Carradine fondly and honored his contribution to the comedy.