Robert Carradine, the veteran actor best known for his iconic roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed the news on February 23, 2026, revealing that Carradine died by suicide following a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder.
Born Robert Reed Carradine on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, he was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine and part of one of Hollywood’s most prominent acting dynasties. His siblings included actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine, as well as Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine. The family legacy deeply influenced his path into the industry, where he began his career in the early 1970s.
Carradine made his film debut in the 1972 Western The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne. He gained wider recognition in 1980 for portraying Robert Younger in Walter Hill’s The Long Riders, a Western that notably featured all four Carradine brothers playing the historical Younger brothers. This role highlighted his versatility and family ties in a critically acclaimed ensemble.
His most enduring popularity came from the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, where he played Lewis Skolnick, the earnest and inventive leader of the nerd fraternity at Adams College. The film’s success spawned sequels, and Carradine reprised the role in Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise (1987) and Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation (1992), cementing his status as a beloved figure in 1980s pop culture.
In the 2000s, Carradine brought warmth and humor to a new generation as Sam McGuire, the supportive father of Hilary Duff’s character in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004) and its 2003 theatrical film adaptation. His portrayal of a relatable, easygoing dad resonated with audiences and showcased his range beyond comedic ensembles.
Throughout his career spanning over five decades, Carradine appeared in numerous films and television projects, including Mean Streets (1973), The Long Riders, Number One with a Bullet (1987), and guest spots on shows like The Love Boat, ER, and Criminal Minds. He remained active in acting until recent years.
In a family statement shared with outlets like Deadline, his loved ones expressed profound grief while emphasizing openness about mental health:
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. 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.”
His brother Keith Carradine added that the illness “got the best of him,” and the family hoped to reduce stigma around mental health by sharing the details.
Carradine’s death has prompted tributes from co-stars, fans, and the entertainment community, with many recalling his kindness, humor, and the joy he brought to screens across generations. His contributions to film and television, from outlaw Westerns to heartfelt family comedies, leave a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
