Actor Robert Carradine Dies at 71

Actor Robert Carradine, widely recognized for his memorable roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71.

According to a heartfelt statement released by his family, Carradine died by suicide after a valiant, nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.

Iconic Roles: A member of a legendary Hollywood acting dynasty, Carradine made his film debut in 1972 alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys. He became a pop culture staple as the lovable fraternity nerd Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds and later reached a whole new generation playing the warm-hearted father, Sam McGuire, on Lizzie McGuire.

Family Statement: The Carradine family, including his older brother, actor Keith Carradine, chose to be completely open about his cause of death and mental health struggles. They expressed hope that sharing his journey will help remove the shame and stigma often attached to mental illness.

Tributes: Following the news, friends, fans, and former co-stars—including his on-screen daughter Hilary Duff—poured out emotional tributes, remembering Carradine as a “beacon of light,” a profoundly gifted actor, and a kind soul.