Quick Read
- Actor Robert Carradine died at age 71 by suicide on February 24, 2026.
- His family confirmed he struggled with Bipolar Disorder for nearly two decades.
- The family hopes his story will encourage addressing mental illness stigma.
- Carradine was best known for roles in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’.
- He was part of the storied Carradine acting family, including brothers David and Keith Carradine.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Robert Carradine, the beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and Sam McGuire in Disney’s Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that Carradine took his own life after a nearly two-decade-long struggle with Bipolar Disorder, expressing a profound hope that his journey will help address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness.
The Carradine family released a statement to Deadline, sharing their immense grief and their desire for transparency about the circumstances of his passing. “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the statement read. “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. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Robert Carradine’s Valiant Struggle with Bipolar Disorder
Robert Carradine’s older brother, actor Keith Carradine, emphasized the family’s decision to openly discuss his brother’s mental health battle. “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith Carradine stated, highlighting that Bipolar Disorder was an illness that ultimately overcame his brother. He added, “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.” This candid approach seeks to foster greater understanding and compassion for individuals facing similar challenges.
Born on March 24, 1954, Robert Carradine was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine, part of a storied acting dynasty that included his brothers David Carradine, Keith Carradine, and Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine. His career spanned decades, marked by diverse roles that showcased his versatility and talent.
A Legacy in Film and Television
Carradine made his big screen debut in 1972 in the Western film The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne. His brother David Carradine had encouraged him to audition, telling him he had “everything to gain, and nothing to lose.” He went on to earn critical acclaim for his performance in Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning film Coming Home (1978), which led to speculation that he might be the most talented actor in his family. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets in 1973.
The early 1980s saw Carradine appearing in two films at the Cannes Film Festival: Samuel Fuller’s The Big Red One and Walter Hill’s The Long Riders. In The Long Riders, he notably starred alongside his brothers David and Keith, playing real-life outlaw brothers, the Younger brothers, a unique casting choice that brought authenticity to the screen. However, it was his starring role as the socially awkward but brilliant Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds that truly cemented his place in pop culture, creating a character that resonated with a generation and spawned a beloved franchise. Later, he gained a new generation of fans as Sam McGuire, the endearing father in the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire.
Beyond the Screen: Music, Racing, and Family
Beyond his acting career, Robert Carradine harbored deep passions. Despite no formal training, he was a gifted musician with a profound love for playing guitar, often performing with his brothers Keith and David at venues like The Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado. He also shared the stage with folk legends Peter Yarrow and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. In the late 1980s, he formed the band The Waybacks with Mare Winningham.
Another lifelong passion was race car driving, which began with go-karting at age 11. His love for motorized sports blossomed into Grand Prix level racing, where he was a driver on Team Lotus alongside Paul Newman in the late 1980s and 90s. Carradine often remarked that racing was his true love, finding unparalleled satisfaction in victory.
Above all, Robert Carradine was a dedicated family man. He raised his daughter, actress Ever Carradine, as a single father until 1990. He later welcomed two more children, Marika and Ian, with Edith Mani. His niece, actress Martha Plimpton, fondly remembered him as everyone’s favorite uncle, a role he cherished by actively participating in the lives of his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was a regular presence at little league games and horse shows, always eager to babysit his grandchildren, Chaplin, Sam, and Jack. His family remembers him as an individual “all heart,” incapable of holding grudges, kind, funny, and always willing to drive his loved ones to or from the airport.
Robert Carradine’s open struggle with Bipolar Disorder and his family’s willingness to share this personal battle underscores a growing societal imperative to confront the silence and shame often associated with mental health conditions. His legacy, therefore, extends beyond his memorable performances, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of invisible illnesses.