Robert Carradine Dies at 71; Family Cites Bipolar Disorder
Carradine died at 71 after a two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder, his family said; his brother said he died by suicide and they urged confronting mental health stigma.
Overview
Robert Carradine died at 71, his family said, and his brother Keith Carradine said he died by suicide.
His family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades and asked that his struggle be used to confront stigma around mental illness.
Hilary Duff, his on-screen daughter from Lizzie McGuire, and his daughter Ever Carradine posted tributes on Instagram, and niece Martha Plimpton also paid tribute.
He worked for over 40 years, had more than 140 credits and appeared in 1971's Bonanza, 1972's The Cowboys, 1984's Revenge of the Nerds and as Sam on Lizzie McGuire.
The family asked for privacy to grieve and said they hope his journey will shine a light on mental health stigma and encourage addressing it.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a largely neutral obituary that relies on factual chronology, family statements and career highlights. Editorial language is minimal; clinical descriptors (e.g., “off-color,” “fading character actors”) add mild color but not a sustained narrative. Sources’ quotes about bipolar disorder and suicide are presented as source content, and an editor’s note and helpline reflect public-health caution.
Sources (13)
FAQ
Robert Carradine died by suicide on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71.
His family stated that he had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades.
He was best known for playing Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, Sam on Lizzie McGuire, and early roles in Bonanza and The Cowboys.
The family hoped his journey would shine a light on mental health stigma and encourage addressing it, while requesting privacy to grieve.
His brother Keith Carradine announced the death.
History
5 sources