Robert Carradine, Iconic Star of ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ Dies at 71 After Battle with Bipolar Disorder
Los Angeles, February 24, 2026 – Veteran actor Robert Carradine, best known for his memorable roles as the lovable nerd Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise and as Sam McGuire, the supportive father on the hit Disney series Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71.
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Join NowHis family confirmed the news on February 23, revealing that Carradine died by suicide following a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline and other outlets, the Carradine family expressed profound 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 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.”
Carradine’s brother, actor Keith Carradine, emphasized the importance of openness about mental health, telling Deadline: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.”
Born March 24, 1954, in Hollywood, Robert was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine and part of one of Hollywood’s most storied acting dynasties. His brothers included the late David Carradine (Kung Fu, Kill Bill) and Keith Carradine (Nashville, A Thousand Acres), as well as Christopher Carradine, a former Disney Imagineer.
Carradine’s career spanned over five decades, beginning with his big-screen debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972).
He gained widespread recognition in Walter Hill’s The Long Riders (1980), playing Robert Younger opposite his brothers David and Keith as the Younger brothers. His breakout comedic role came as Lewis in Revenge of the Nerds (1984), a character he reprised in three sequels.
On television, he charmed audiences as Hilary Duff’s dad in Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004), a role that endeared him to a new generation.
Beyond these highlights, Carradine appeared in films like The Big Red One (1980), Escape from L.A. (1996), and numerous TV guest spots. More recently, he hosted a podcast and remained active in family life, raising his children Ever Carradine (an actress known for The Handmaid’s Tale), Marika, and Ian, and doting on his grandchildren.
His daughter Ever shared a touching tribute on social media, remembering her father as a devoted single dad in her early years: “We were in it together.” Tributes poured in from co-stars, including Hilary Duff, and fans who celebrated his warmth, humor, and contributions to comedy and family entertainment.
Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His loved ones have requested privacy during this time of mourning. His legacy as a talented actor and advocate—through his family’s call for mental health awareness—will endure.
