Robert Carradine’s former “Lizzie McGuire” co-stars honored the late actor with touching tributes after news broke Monday of his death at age 71.
Hilary Duff, who played the Disney Channel show’s titular character, mourned her on-screen dad via Instagram.
“This one hurts. It’s hard to face this reality about an old friend,” the actress, 38, told her followers of Carradine, who portrayed Sam McGuire on the series’ two seasons and movie between 2001 and 2004.
“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents,” she continued, referencing TV mom Hallie Todd. “I’ll be forever grateful for that.
“I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering,” she concluded of the late actor’s battle with bipolar disorder. “My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him.”
Duff’s TV brother, Jake Thomas, shared an emotional statement of his own to the social media platform.
“My heart hurts today,” the 36-year-old began. “I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet.”
Thomas called Carradine “funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” before adding, “He was a talented actor, musician and director. But more than anything, he was family.”
After reflecting on their “fond memories,” he concluded, “I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes.”
Thomas signed off with Carradine’s nickname for him, “Jakers.”
Lalaine, who played Miranda Sanchez on the show, wrote, according to Deadline, that Carradine’s passing was “really not fair” and she was “f–ked up [at the moment].”
She went on to note, “I am thankful tho[ugh]. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.”
Carradine died after a “valiant” bipolar disorder battle, his family member told Deadline in a statement.
“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,” the “Revenge of the Nerds” star’s loved ones wrote. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
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 Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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