Hilary Duff pays emotional tribute to Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine after he dies, aged 71

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Hilary Duff has led tributes to Robert Carradine after the star died aged 71.

It’s with a heavy heart that I report the passing of the actor most of us remember as Lizzie McGuire. His family has confirmed he tragically took his own life after a long, twenty-year battle with bipolar disorder. It’s a devastating loss, and a stark reminder of the hidden struggles so many face. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

They explained that they wanted to reveal the reason for his death to help reduce the shame and misunderstanding surrounding mental health issues.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Carradine’s brother Keith told Deadline.

He fought a difficult illness, and I want to honor both his battle and the wonderful person he was.

He shared that his brother was incredibly talented and would be deeply missed. They would find comfort in remembering his humor, wisdom, and unwavering kindness and acceptance. That, he said, was the essence of who his brother was.

One of Carradine’s first roles was in 1972’s The Cowboys opposite John Wayne and Bruce Dern.

He continued his film career with roles in movies like Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets (1973), the Academy Award-winning Coming Home (1978), The Long Riders (1980), The Big Red One (1980), and Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012).

He’s most remembered for playing Sam McGuire on the popular Disney show Lizzie McGuire, which aired from 2001 to 2004, and Lewis Skolnick in the comedy film Revenge of the Nerds.

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Hilary Duff, who worked with David Carradine on the show Lizzie McGuire, shared a tribute to him on Instagram.

“This one hurts,” she said.

It’s difficult to accept how things have changed with an old friend. The McGuire family was always so kind and welcoming, and I always felt incredibly supported by my TV parents.

I’ll always be thankful for what Bobby brought to my life. It’s heartbreaking to hear he was in pain, and I’m sending my deepest sympathy to his family and all who cared for him.

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Jake Thomas, who starred as Lizzie’s brother Matt, shared his sadness about David Carradine’s passing on Instagram, simply writing, “My heart hurts today.”

I was lucky enough to know Bobby for most of my life. He was a genuinely cool person – funny, down-to-earth, a bit grumpy at times, and always uniquely himself.

The Carradine family announced on Monday, February 23rd, with deep sorrow, the passing of their father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Robert Carradine, according to a statement given to Deadline.

The statement went on to say that Bobby was a source of positivity and joy in a world that often feels difficult. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his passing and want to recognize his courageous fight with bipolar disorder, which he battled for almost twenty years.

We hope his story will help reduce the shame surrounding mental health challenges. We are heartbroken by this loss and ask for privacy as we grieve. Thank you for your kindness and support.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in TV, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2026-02-24 14:05