Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns 'First Love' Robert Carradine After His Suicide at 71
Jamie Lee Curtis has expressed deep sorrow over the death of her "first love," actor Robert Carradine, who died by suicide at the age of 71 on Monday. The Freaky Friday star, 67, shared heartfelt memories of their brief romance in the 1970s, including forming a "little family" with his young daughter.
A Public Meet-Cute and Whirlwind Romance
In a poignant tribute, Curtis revealed that she and Carradine first met on an episode of The Dinah Shore show in the 1970s, which featured a group of second-generation actors often referred to today as "nepo babies." Her parents were actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, while his were actor John Carradine and actress Sonia Sorel. Curtis recounted that Carradine rearranged seating so he could sit next to her and kissed her live on television, calling it a "very public meet cute."
Their relationship quickly blossomed into a whirlwind romance. Curtis described how she bonded with Carradine's three-year-old daughter, Ever, who was recovering from a burn injury in a hospital at the time. She recalled Ever as a "little girl wrapped in gauze with the biggest smile on her face and the most beautiful eyes."
Domestic Life in Laurel Canyon
The couple moved into a dirt-floored house in Laurel Canyon, where Curtis said she experienced her "first taste of domesticity and motherhood and partnership." She fondly remembered walking with Ever to a local market, doing laundry at a laundromat, and folding the child's clothes, cherishing the simplicity of life in the late 1970s.
Curtis, who has previously called Carradine her "first love," emphasized that this period was transformative for her. She also noted that they remained friends after their breakup, maintaining a connection with Ever, who is now a talented actress.
Carradine's Acting Legacy and Personal Struggles
Robert Carradine was part of the renowned Carradine acting dynasty, which includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David. Born on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, he had a notable career in film and television. His family confirmed his death in a statement to Deadline, revealing that he had lived with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and died by suicide.
The family described Carradine as a "beacon of light" and expressed hope that his struggle would help reduce the stigma around mental illness. They requested privacy as they grieve this "unfathomable loss."
History of Mental Health Challenges
Carradine's mental health issues became public in 2015 when his estranged wife, Edith Carradine, alleged in legal documents that he deliberately drove into a semi-truck in a suicidal attempt, which he later attributed to deep depression following his brother David's death in 2009. David Carradine died of asphyxiation in a Bangkok hotel room, with investigations ruling it an accidental death.
In a 2017 court response, Robert Carradine stated that his estranged wife had cut off his bipolar medication, leading to his fragile mental state during the incident. He is survived by his children Ever, Marika, and Ian, along with grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, confidential help is available. In the US, call or text the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat. In the UK, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or samaritans.org.
