Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ actor, dies at 71
Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire,” died Sunday at the age of 71.
He took his own life after battling bipolar disorder, his brother and actor Keith Carradine said, according to Deadline.
Carradine was part of a famous family of actors, including his father John and brothers Keith and David.
“It is with great sadness that we have to share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” his family said in a statement sent to the station.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a light to everyone around him. We are saddened by the loss of this beautiful soul and want to thank Bobby for his struggle to fight his nearly decade-long battle with Bipolar Disorder. We hope his journey can shed light and encourage you to face the shame that accompanies this time of mental illness. We ask for your understanding and compassion. Thank you for your understanding and compassion.”
After Robert’s death, Keith Carradine said his family wanted to raise awareness of his brother’s struggle with bipolar disorder.
Carradine said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his brother David died of asphyxiation in 2009, according to TMZ.
“We want people to know, and there’s no shame in it,” Keith Carradine said. “It’s a disease that made him so much better, and I want to celebrate his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was so gifted, and we’ll miss him every day. We’ll be comforted by how funny he was, how smart he was and how completely accepting and tolerant he was. That’s what my little brother was.”
In 1972, Carradine made his film debut in the John Wayne Western “The Cowboys” and starred in Martin Scorsese’s classic crime drama “Mean Streets” in 1973.
He also appeared in the 1978 war film “Coming Home,” which was nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards.
However, it was Carradine’s role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds,” in which losers take on the jock fraternity Alpha Betas, that won over moviegoers.
The film was a hit – earning $40 million at the box office on a budget of $6 million – and Carradine would go on to appear in three sequels.
Carradine said he had no idea the movie would be so good.
“But I remember we had an amazing time making the movie,” he told Media Mikes in 2025. “It was a lot of fun. And I think the camera records how you feel and, the fact that we were burning, for lack of a better phrase, the camera recorded that. That was one of the things that made that movie work on a big level.”
A new generation of fans was introduced to Carradine’s career with his role as Sam McGuire in the TV series and movie “Lizzie McGuire.”
“This one hurts,” said Hilary Duff, who played the hit role, on Tuesday. “It’s really hard to deal with this truth about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll always be grateful for that. I’m so sorry to hear that Bobby was suffering. My heart goes out to him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
“My heart is broken today,” said actor Jake Thomas, who played Carradine’s son on the show. “I was lucky enough to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet. Funny, personable, sometimes crazy, always a little grounded.
“He was a talented actor, singer, and director. But most of all, he was my family. I have many fond memories with him and his family throughout my life. Good times, challenging times, and lots of laughter with him. I looked up to him when I was growing up. And later in life, I found out that he thought I was neat too. So I think I was doing something right in his eyes.”
Carradine had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder in 1974. He later married Edith Mani and had two children, Marika and Ian before the couple divorced after 25 years together.
“My dad passed away today. My sweet, funny dad, only 20 years older than me, who never missed an opportunity to take me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” Ever Carradine said on Instagram.
“Dad was a lover, not a fighter. He had a whole heart, and in a world full of strife and division, I think we can all take a page from his book today, open our hearts and hear and share love.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line to 741741.
