Robert Carradine, Beloved Actor from Revenge of the Nerds, Passes Away at 71
Robert Carradine, a celebrated actor renowned for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, disclosing that he took his own life after enduring a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder. They expressed hope that sharing his story would raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Family Statement Highlights Mental Health Battle
In a statement released to Deadline on Monday, the Carradine family conveyed their profound grief. "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away," they said. They described him as a "beacon of light" and acknowledged his valiant fight against bipolar disorder, urging others to address mental health issues openly. The family requested privacy during this difficult time while thanking the public for their compassion.
Brother Keith Carradine Speaks Out
His older brother, actor Keith Carradine, emphasized the importance of transparency about mental illness. "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he told Deadline. He celebrated Robert's beautiful soul, highlighting his humor, wisdom, and tolerance. Keith noted that Robert's mental health challenges were triggered by the death of their brother David in 2009, which led to his bipolar diagnosis.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Born in 1954, Robert Carradine was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and part of a famed acting family. His career began in 1972 with a role in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne. He later appeared in acclaimed films like Coming Home and Mean Streets. His breakout role came in 1984 as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, a role he reprised in three sequels. In the early 2000s, he gained new fame as Sam McGuire in Lizzie McGuire, endearing himself to a younger generation.
Personal Life and Challenges
Carradine had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine, with Susan Snyder. He later married Edith Mani, with whom he had two children before divorcing in 2015. During divorce proceedings, Mani alleged that Carradine attempted a joint suicide in a 2015 car crash, with Carradine admitting to being in a "psychotic state" at the time. His family's statement aims to shed light on such struggles, encouraging support for those facing similar issues.
Mental health resources: In the US, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123. In Australia, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14. For global support, visit befrienders.org.
