Celebrity4 min(s) read
Hilary Duff makes heartbreaking admission as Lizzie McGuire co-star Robert Carradine dies aged 71
Actor Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71, his family has confirmed.
The Lizzie McGuire favorite died by suicide after battling bipolar disorder for nearly two decades, leaving behind heartbroken loved ones and generations of fans who grew up watching him on screen.
Family Confirms Robert Carradine’s Death
The devastating news was shared by his older brother, actor Keith Carradine, in a statement to Deadline.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away.”
He continued: “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.”
The family’s statement highlighted not only their grief but also their hope that Carradine’s story may help confront the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Hilary Duff Shares Emotional Tribute
Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter in Lizzie McGuire, shared a heartfelt message following news of his passing. The actress revealed she “always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents”.
In an emotional Instagram post, she 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."
In a heartbreaking admission, Duff said: "I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
From ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ To ‘Lizzie McGuire’
Carradine first shot to fame in 1984 when he starred in Revenge of The Nerds as Lewis Skolnick, the head of a misfit group of college students who quickly became cult icons.
Years later, he found a whole new audience through Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. Carradine played Sam McGuire, the warm and dependable father of the show’s title character, becoming a familiar and comforting face for millions of young viewers.
The role cemented his place in early 2000s pop culture and introduced him to a generation that knew him less as a ‘nerd’ and more as TV’s ultimate girl dad.
A Hollywood Legacy
Born in Los Angeles, Carradine came from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His mother was actress and artist Sonia Sorel, and his father was actor John Carradine.
He began acting at a young age, appearing as a child star in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne in 1972.
Carradine is survived by his three children and his brother Keith, who is known for playing Tom Frank in the 1975 film Nashville.
Daughter Ever Carradine: “He Was All Heart”
Among the most emotional tributes came from his daughter, Ever Carradine, who described her father as “all heart”.
She shared on Instagram: “My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone.
“Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad.
“I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back.”
Ever continued: “My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love.”
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