'Lizzie McGuire' star Robert Carradine passes away at 71
Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.
Robert Carradine, famously known for his role in Lizzie McGuire, has died. He was 71.
Carradine's family announced the news via a statement given to Deadline on Tuesday (Philippine time). They said that the actor took his own life after years of living with bipolar disorder, and they hope it will raise awareness.
“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," they said.
The family requests privacy at this time and extends their sincere gratitude to the public for their understanding and compassion.
In a separate statement, the actor's older brother, fellow actor Keith Carradine, shared his desire to be open about his brother’s mental illness, emphasizing that there is no shame in the struggle.
“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,” he said.
Following the news, the cast of Lizzie McGuire joined in honoring his memory. Hilary Duff, who played the title character, shared a post reflecting on her time working with Robert, who played her father, Sam.
“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," Duff wrote.
Jake Thomas, who played Duff's onscreen brother Matt, wrote, “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."
Thomas described him as "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,” he said.
Lalaine, who starred as Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez, said, “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.”
Carradine came from a family of actors. His father was actor John Carradine, while his brothers, David, Bruce, and Keith, all dabbled in acting.
Carradine’s film career began in 1972 with The Cowboys, followed by notable appearances in Mean Streets and Coming Home. He is best known for his leading role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, a character he reprised in three sequels between 1987 and 1994.
He then joined the cast of Lizzie McGuire, starring throughout its original two-season run from 2001 to 2004 and reprising his role in the 2003 theatrical release, The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
According to reports, the loss of his brother—who also struggled with mental illness—triggered his own challenges, eventually leading to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
If you or anyone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, you may call the National Mental Health Crisis hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518 or 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe/TM users, or 0908-639-2672 for Smart users.
