Robert Carradine, Star of Revenge of the Nerds, Dies at 71
Robert Carradine, a Hollywood actor with a career spanning over five decades, best known for his roles in the 1980s cult film Revenge of the Nerds and the teen comedy series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. He took his own life after suffering from bipolar disorder, a condition that was exacerbated by the death of his brother David in 2009.
A Prolific Career in Film and Television
Carradine, the youngest of four acting sons of John Carradine, never achieved stardom but worked continuously in the industry. He had small roles in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets (1973) and Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (2012). In Walter Hill's western The Long Riders (1980), he starred alongside his brothers David and Keith as the Younger brothers, a film that featured real-life siblings in its cast.
His talents were more prominently showcased in the Oscar-winning drama Coming Home (1978), where he played a suicidal Vietnam veteran alongside Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. A new generation came to know him as the endearing father of Hilary Duff's character in Lizzie McGuire (2001-04) and its 2003 movie adaptation.
Cult Success with Revenge of the Nerds
Carradine enjoyed his biggest cult success in Revenge of the Nerds (1984), a comedy about college misfits rebelling against jocks. The film, shot for $6 million, grossed over $40 million and spawned three sequels, all featuring Carradine. He also hosted the reality TV show King of the Nerds (2013-15). Initially reluctant due to the title, he won the lead role of Lewis Skolnick after a "lacklustre" audition, dressing in character with a short haircut and thick-framed glasses.
His career included other films such as Orca (1977), Number One With a Bullet (1987), and several pictures for John Carpenter, including Escape from LA (1996). A horror comedy, Sorority Shark Attack, is set for release in 2026.
On-Set Encounters and Personal Life
Carradine had notable run-ins with Hollywood legends. On the set of The Big Red One (1980), Lee Marvin famously told him, "Fuck you, Carradine," later explaining it was to set the record straight with the younger cast. When Carradine fell ill, Marvin cared for him, singing on a guitar and kissing his forehead.
Born in Los Angeles in 1954, Carradine was raised by his father after his parents' divorce. He dropped out of school to make his film debut in The Cowboys (1972), where he was reduced to tears by John Wayne after advising on a line reading. In between acting, he fulfilled a youthful ambition by racing cars professionally, participating in the 24 Hours of Daytona and driving a decommissioned police car in Los Angeles.
He is survived by his brothers Keith and Christopher, half-brother Michael Bowen, and his children Ever, Madrika, and Ian. His marriage to Edith Mani ended in divorce in 2018.
