Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71, his family confirmed on February 23.
The actor who was best known for his roles in Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds died by suicide.
His family released a statement hoping it would raise awareness for bipolar disorder, which Robert suffered with for much of his life.
‘Profound sadness’
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the Carradine family said in a statement to Deadline.
“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. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
Raising awareness
His brother, Kevin Carradine, also spoke of Robert’s death, telling the outlet: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.”
© Getty ImagesFamous family
Robert was the youngest son of late actor, John Carradine. The legendary House of Frankenstein, Stagecoach, and The Grapes of Wrath star had an incredible career before he passed away aged 82 in 1988, having fathered five children.
© Getty ImagesRobert’s career began when he starred with John Wayne in the 1972 movie The Cowboys. His brother, David, encouraged him to enter the entertainment industry.
He had success in the movie world, starring in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama Mean Streets in 1973, alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight in Coming Home, and many more films.
© Getty ImagesRobert also starred in the comedy franchise Revenge of the Nerds and played Hilary Duff’s onscreen dad, Sam, in the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire.
Hilary’s tribute
© Everett/ShutterstockShe paid tribute to him after learning of his death.
Taking to Instagram, Hilary wrote: “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.”
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis, please call or text 988: This is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in the United States and Canada. This service is free, confidential, and connects callers to trained crisis counselors.
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