Actor Robert Carradine, known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71. He died by suicide after living with bipolar disorder for years, his family reportedly said in a statement, adding that they hoped it would raise awareness.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away (sic),” the Carradine family said in a statement to Deadline on Monday.
“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,” the statement added.
The Carradine family concluded, “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 (sic).”
Keith Carradine, the late actor’s older brother, told Deadline that the family wants the public to be aware of his brother’s mental health journey. He said they hope to remove any shame associated with the condition.
Keith also expressed his desire for his brother to be celebrated for his struggle and his beautiful soul. He said Robert would be missed every day for his profound gifts, and that the family would take solace in remembering how funny, wise, and accepting he truly was.
In 2009, Robert’s elder half-brother, David, died at the age of 72 due to asphyxiation in a Thai hotel room. The Lizzie McGuire actor subsequently shared that his brother’s death served as a catalyst for his own mental health struggles, which eventually led to a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Robert, born in 1954, was the youngest son of legendary American actor, John Carradine. His family tree was packed with talent, including his elder brothers Keith and Christopher, as well as half-brothers David and Bruce from his father’s previous marriage. Apart from Christopher, every one of the siblings eventually pursued a career in the acting world.
Robert made his acting debut in 1972, appearing with John Wayne in The Cowboys. His early career moved quickly, featuring a role in the Academy Award-winning Coming Home and a brief but memorable turn in Martin Scorsese’s 1973 classic Mean Streets, where his character famously shot his real-life brother, David.
