Robert Carradine, the beloved actor known for his roles in “The Long Riders,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” and the television series “Lizzie McGuire,” has sadly passed away at the age of 71. His family revealed that Carradine took his own life following a nearly two-decade struggle with Bipolar Disorder.
Carradine, the youngest son of famed actor John Carradine and brother to fellow actors David and Keith Carradine, was cherished by those who knew him. In a heartfelt statement to Deadline, his family expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. 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.”
His family hopes that by sharing his story, they can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. They requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing gratitude for the compassion shown to them.
Keith Carradine went on to emphasize that mental illness should not carry shame, highlighting Robert’s talents and the struggles he faced. “It is an illness that got the best of him, and 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,” Keith shared.
Robert Carradine was born on March 24, 1954, and made his film debut in 1972’s “The Cowboys,” starring alongside John Wayne. He went on to appear in key films such as “Coming Home” and “Mean Streets,” ultimately achieving widespread fame in 1984 with “Revenge of the Nerds.” He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
As the industry mourns his loss, Robert Carradine’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through his memorable performances but also through the conversations his family hopes to inspire regarding mental health awareness.