Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Carradine, a beloved actor whose career spanned five decades and whose impact resonated well beyond the screen. Carradine, best known for his roles in the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and the cult classic Revenge of the Nerds franchise, died by suicide on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71, following a nearly 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder. The news, confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans, while also shining a light on the ongoing challenges of mental health.

In a statement released to Deadline, Carradine’s family expressed their 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. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”

Carradine’s passing has left a particularly deep mark on the Lizzie McGuire family. Hilary Duff, who starred as the titular character, shared her heartbreak on Instagram: “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt, also posted a moving tribute: “My heart hurts today. I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric. He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between. I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you. – ‘Jaker’.”

Lalaine, who played Miranda Sanchez, Lizzie’s best friend on the show, echoed the sentiments of loss and gratitude: “It’s really not fair. I’m fu*ked up atm.. I am thankful tho. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.” The grief shared by Carradine’s on-screen family reflects the genuine bonds formed during their years working together from 2001 to 2004, including the 2003 theatrical release The Lizzie McGuire Movie and two filmed episodes of a cancelled Disney+ revival.

Beyond his television fame, Carradine’s film career was both prolific and diverse. He made his screen debut opposite John Wayne in The Cowboys in 1972, a role he landed with encouragement from his brother David, who told him he “had everything to gain, and nothing to lose,” according to Deadline. Carradine’s father, John Carradine, was one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors, and his siblings David, Bruce, and Keith also pursued acting, making the Carradines one of the industry’s most storied families.

Robert Carradine’s early career included notable appearances in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets and Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning Coming Home, a film that explored the lasting impact of the Vietnam War on veterans. However, it was his role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds that cemented his place in pop culture. Carradine reprised the character in three sequels between 1987 and 1994, and later appeared in films such as Escape From L.A. with Kurt Russell.

In the early 2000s, Carradine found a new generation of fans as Sam McGuire, the supportive and sometimes bumbling father in Lizzie McGuire. His warm, comedic presence contributed to the show’s enduring popularity, and his portrayal left a lasting impression on viewers and castmates alike. According to People, Carradine’s niece, actress Martha Plimpton, described him as “everyone’s favorite uncle.”

His death has prompted a wider conversation about mental health, particularly within the entertainment industry. Carradine’s brother, Keith Carradine, spoke candidly to Deadline about Robert’s struggle with bipolar disorder: “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. 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.”

Reports indicate that the loss of another brother, who also struggled with mental illness, may have triggered Robert’s own challenges, eventually leading to his diagnosis. The family hopes that by sharing his story, they can help reduce the stigma around mental illness and encourage others to seek help. As they put it, “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”

Carradine is survived by his three children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, and nephews. He shared daughter Ever Carradine with ex Susan Snyder, and daughter Marika Reed Carradine and son Ian Alexander Carradine with his ex-wife Edie Mani, from whom he divorced in 2018. His legacy, both as an actor and as a person, is remembered fondly by those who knew and loved him.

As tributes continue to pour in from across Hollywood and beyond, Carradine’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and open conversation about mental health. For those affected by his loss or struggling themselves, resources such as the Crisis Text Line are available by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.

Robert Carradine’s light, both on and off the screen, touched countless lives. While his absence leaves a void, his warmth, humor, and resilience will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him—whether as a family member, friend, or the unforgettable dad from Lizzie McGuire.