‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star Dies Robert Carradine – Cause of Death Revealed

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Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in films like Revenge of the Nerds and TV shows like Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71. His family told Deadline that he died by suicide following a long battle with Bipolar Disorder.

As a lifelong movie fan, I was so incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Robert Carradine. His family shared a really touching statement, and it broke my heart to learn he’d been battling Bipolar Disorder for almost twenty years. They described him as a light in a dark world, and that really resonated with me – he always brought such a unique energy to his roles. More than just an actor, they emphasized what a wonderful father, grandfather, uncle, and brother he was. They’re hoping his story will help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and I think that’s a beautiful tribute. Right now, they’re asking for privacy as they grieve, and of course, we should all respect that. It’s just a really sad loss for the film community and everyone who loved his work.

Robert Carradine’s brother, actor Keith Carradine, also shared news about his illness, explaining that the family wanted to be open about what he’d been going through. He emphasized there was no shame in his condition, stating it was an illness he bravely fought. Keith wanted to honor Robert’s spirit and talent, saying they would deeply miss him. He remembered Robert as a funny, wise, and incredibly accepting person, and cherished memories of him as a beloved brother.

Robert Carradine was born on March 24, 1954, into a famous acting family. He was the youngest son of John Carradine and a brother to actors David and Keith Carradine. While acting was a family tradition, Robert steadily forged his own path in the industry.

I first noticed this actor way back in 1972, a young face alongside the legendary John Wayne in ‘The Cowboys.’ But it was Hal Ashby’s ‘Coming Home,’ with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight, that really put him on the map – a truly powerful film that deservedly won an Oscar and signaled the arrival of a serious talent. And let’s not forget those early days working with Martin Scorsese on ‘Mean Streets’ – a clear sign of the incredible career that was about to unfold.

In 1980, Robert starred in two films: The Big Red One and The Long Riders. The Long Riders, directed by Walter Hill, was unique because it featured actual brothers playing the roles of outlaw siblings, and Robert appeared alongside his own brothers in the film.

He first became widely known in 1984 for his role as Lewis Skolnick, the leader of a group of college students, in the hit movie Revenge of the Nerds. The film was one of the most popular comedies of the 1980s and introduced him to a large audience. Later, he gained a new generation of fans playing the father on the Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.

Beyond his acting career, David Carradine had a passion for both music and racing. He was a self-taught guitarist and frequently played with his brothers in Colorado, even sharing the stage with well-known folk artists like Peter Yarrow and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He also enjoyed competitive racing, participating in Grand Prix events in the late 1980s and 1990s, and even raced for Team Lotus alongside Paul Newman.

Family was the most important thing to him. He had three children, one of whom is the actress Ever Carradine, and he cherished his role as a grandfather. He maintained strong bonds with his entire extended family, and his niece, actress Martha Plimpton, fondly remembered him as everyone’s beloved uncle.

Robert Carradine is remembered by his children, grandchildren, brothers, and extended family. His family requests privacy during this difficult time.

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2026-02-24 11:50