Actor Robert Carradine has passed away at age 71. His family confirmed that he died by suicide following a nearly two‑decade battle with bipolar disorder. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a large extended family.
Carradine, an accomplished performer with a career spanning more than five decades, was known for his wide range of roles across film, television, and other media. He made his professional acting debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972). He later appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets and portrayed one of several sets of brothers in The Long Riders, performing alongside his brother Keith Carradine.
His work extended beyond film and television; he appeared as the love interest in the music video for The Motels’ hit song “Suddenly Last Summer.”
For many, he became a household name for two especially beloved roles: Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s father on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, and Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds films.
Carradine’s struggles with mental health deepened after the 2009 death of his older brother, David Carradine. In the years that followed, he openly confronted his depression and bipolar disorder, a challenge he continued to face for more than 15 years.
If you are struggling with your mental health, resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please visit the CDC’s mental health resource page or call/text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Rest in peace, Robert Carradine.
