With profound sorrow and an unwavering commitment to compassion, we must share the devastating news that Robert Carradine died on February 23, 2025, at the age of 71. His family has revealed that for nearly two decades, he courageously battled bipolar disorder, an illness his brother Keith Carradine honestly acknowledged “got the best of him.”
In their statement to Deadline, the family expressed their hope that his experience could illuminate the urgent need to confront the stigma surrounding mental illness, affirming that there is no shame in it.
Our hearts are shattered as we convey this profound tragedy. Robert Carradine belonged to one of Hollywood’s most distinguished acting families, the son of legendary character actor John Carradine and brother to Keith and the late David Carradine.
Following his brother David’s encouragement to audition with the simple advice that he had everything to gain and nothing to lose, he made his film debut opposite John Wayne in the 1972 Western “The Cowboys.” Throughout the 1970s, he established an extraordinary body of work collaborating with celebrated directors, appearing in Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” and Hal Ashby’s Oscar winning Vietnam drama “Coming Home.”
The world is ringing with grief and disbelief following his passing. Carradine achieved his breakthrough role in 1984 as the endearing head nerd Lewis Skolnick in the beloved comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” a character forever remembered for his sudden, infectious guttural laugh that became his trademark.
He returned to the role in several sequels and later co hosted the reality competition series “King of the Nerds” alongside his co star Curtis Armstrong. For an entirely new generation, he became a cherished presence as Sam McGuire, the well intentioned and occasionally bumbling father to Hilary Duff’s character on the Disney Channel hit “Lizzie McGuire” from 2001 to 2004, a role he also revisited in “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.”
A luminous soul to countless admirers, Robert Carradine will forever be treasured for the warmth and kindness he extended to everyone fortunate enough to know him personally. His niece, actress Martha Plimpton, offered a heartfelt tribute, calling him “the best uncle” and praising his innate goodness, describing him as dear, loving, and completely without judgment.
His daughter Ever Carradine wrote that she always knew her father loved her deep in her bones and that she never doubted his unwavering support, noting they were like partners navigating life together. Jake Thomas, who portrayed his on screen son in “Lizzie McGuire,” remembered him as one of the coolest individuals you could ever encounter, funny, grounded, occasionally cranky, always delightfully eccentric, but above everything else, family.
No words can adequately convey the magnitude of our loss. In an incomprehensible and devastating moment, we have lost Robert Carradine, whose artistic contributions spanned five decades and whose very presence illuminated a world that can often feel overwhelmingly dark. His family’s statement beautifully captured his essence: a radiant light to everyone surrounding him, deeply talented, humorous, insightful, and completely accepting and tolerant of others.
He leaves behind his three children, Ever, Marika, and Ian, his grandchildren, his brothers Keith and Christopher, nieces, nephews, and every soul fortunate enough to have shared in his life. May his memory serve as a blessing and may his struggle inspire others to seek compassion and understanding.