Beloved actor Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71, leaving behind a career that spanned decades and touched multiple generations of audiences.In a statement shared with Deadline, Carradine’s family revealed that he had spent nearly 20 years living with bipolar disorder — a private struggle they say ultimately led to his death. Alongside their grief, they expressed a hope that his story might help reduce stigma around mental health.A Legacy Rooted in Hollywood HistoryRobert Carradine was born into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable acting families. He was the son of legendary actor John Carradine and the brother of performers David Carradine and Keith Carradine, as well as Christopher Carradine, a former executive at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Despite the weight of that legacy, Carradine carved out his own identity on screen. His film debut came in 1972 alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys, marking the beginning of a career defined by versatility rather than flash.Carradine became a cult icon in the 1980s for his role as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and its sequels. The underdog comedy struck a chord with audiences and helped cement his place in pop culture history.He also appeared in the Oscar-winning Vietnam War drama Coming Home, demonstrating a range that extended well beyond comedic roles.For younger viewers, however, Carradine was best known as Sam McGuire, the warm and steady father on the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire. His portrayal of a supportive and gently humorous dad introduced him to a new generation.Following news of his passing, Hilary Duff, who starred in the series, shared a heartfelt tribute.