Cause of Death Revealed for Robert Carradine, Star of ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’

Robert Carradine, the actor known for his work in Revenge of the Nerds, Lizzie McGuire and The Long Riders, has died at 71. His family confirmed to Deadline that he took his own life after living with Bipolar Disorder for nearly 20 years.

In a statement shared with the outlet, his family spoke openly about his illness and their grief. “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 on 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. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”

His older brother, actor Keith Carradine, also addressed the loss. He said the family wanted to be honest about Robert’s condition.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he said. “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. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”

Carradine was born on March 24, 1954. He came from a well-known acting family. His father was John Carradine, and his brothers included David Carradine and Keith. Even with that background, he built a career that stood on its own.

He started acting in the early 1970s. One of his first films was The Cowboys with John Wayne. He later appeared in Coming Home, directed by Hal Ashby and starring Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. He also worked with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets.

In 1980, he appeared in The Big Red One and The Long Riders. In the western film, he acted alongside his brothers. The movie told the story of outlaw brothers, played by real-life siblings.

His most famous role came in 1984 when he starred as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. The comedy became a hit and later turned into a franchise. Years later, he reached younger viewers as the father in the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire.

Carradine also had strong interests outside acting. He loved playing guitar and often performed with his brothers. He shared the stage with folk singers like Peter Yarrow and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He also enjoyed car racing and competed at a high level in the late 1980s and 1990s. He was part of Team Lotus at one point and raced alongside Paul Newman.

Family was a big part of his life. He is survived by his children, including actress Ever Carradine, as well as grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews. His niece, actress Martha Plimpton, has said he was a favorite uncle. His family has asked for privacy as they mourn.

Robert Carradine leaves behind a long career in film and television and many people who loved him. His family also hopes that sharing his story will help reduce the stigma around mental illness.

His death is a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, even people who seem strong and successful. It is important to talk about these issues and support those who are dealing with them. What do you think about the way his family chose to speak openly about Bipolar Disorder? Share your thoughts in the comments.