Robert Carradine Dies Aged 71: What We Know So Far

Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in the Revenge of the Nerds films and as family patriarch Sam McGuire in the Disney comedy series Lizzie McGuire, has died. He was 71.

Robert was a member of the famed Carradine family. He was the son of actor John Carradine, best known for his roles as Count Dracula in various horror movies, as well as The Grapes of Wrath (1940). He was the brother of actor Keith Carradine and half-brother of fellow actors Michael Carradine and the late David Carradine. He was also uncle of actress Martha Plimpton.

In a statement from the Carradine family shared with Deadline, they confirmed that a two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder had contributed to his death.

“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," the statement began.

"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 family announcement continued. "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 brother, Keith Carradine, went on to inform the outlet that he felt it was important to highlight his late brother's mental health battle, in an effort to de-stigmatise the journey for others.

“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," Keith told Deadline. "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.”  

If you are struggling with your mental health, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat via 988lifeline.org.