Robert Carradine, Star of Revenge of the Nerds, Dies at 71

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Robert Carradine, known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed that he died by suicide after a long battle with Bipolar Disorder. He was a member of the well-known Carradine acting family.

Robert Carradine’s family announced his passing with deep sorrow, describing him as a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and brother who brought light to the lives of those around him. They shared that he bravely fought Bipolar Disorder for almost two decades and hope his experience will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The family asks for privacy as they mourn this devastating loss and expressed their appreciation for everyone’s understanding and compassion.

Keith Carradine, David’s brother and a fellow actor, spoke about David’s battle with Bipolar Disorder, hoping to encourage understanding and reduce stigma. He explained, “We want people to know about it, and there shouldn’t be any shame. It was an illness that ultimately overwhelmed him, but I want to remember and celebrate him for fighting it, and for the beautiful person he was. He was incredibly talented, and we’ll miss him deeply. We’ll find comfort in remembering his humor, wisdom, and how accepting and tolerant he always was. That was the essence of my brother.”

Remembering Robert Carradine (1954-2026)

Robert Carradine was born on March 24, 1954, and came from a family of actors. His father, Robert Carradine, also had sons Bruce, David, Keith, and Christopher, who worked as a creative designer for Disney. Robert began acting at a young age, appearing in shows like Bonanza and his brother David’s series Kung Fu. He also had roles in the film The Cowboys with John Wayne and Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets – a movie where he famously filmed a scene involving a character played by his brother David.

In 1980, Carradine appeared in The Long Riders with David and Keith as the Younger brothers. What made the film unique was its cast, which featured several other sibling pairs of actors, like Stacy and James Keach, Dennis and Randy Quaid, and Christopher and Nicholas Guest.

The actor truly became famous for his role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds. The film, about a group of nerds seeking revenge on their bullies, allowed him to demonstrate his talent for comedy and was a big hit, earning $40 million in the U.S. It also led to three sequels, all starring the actor.

Many people today recognize him as Sam McGuire, Hilary Duff’s dad on the popular TV show Lizzie McGuire and the 2003 movie. He was known for bringing both humor and a kind, comforting presence to the role. Hilary Duff recently shared a remembrance of him on Instagram.

This is incredibly painful news. It’s so difficult to accept the loss of an old friend. The McGuire family always showed me such kindness, and I always felt incredibly supported by my on-screen parents – I’ll always cherish that. I’m heartbroken to hear Bobby was struggling, and my thoughts are with him, his family, and everyone who knew and loved him.

Robert Carradine, a talented actor from the renowned Carradine family and a devoted father to Ever, Marika, and Ian, will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, and all those who admired him during this difficult time.

If you or someone you know is living with Bipolar Disorder, you can find helpful information and support at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) or the International Bipolar Foundation.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You can connect with compassionate support through the 998 Lifeline and Befrienders Worldwide.

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2026-02-24 17:20