Beloved 'Lizzie McGuire' Star Robert Carradine Dies at 71

The actor, known for 'Revenge of the Nerds' and playing Hilary Duff's dad, struggled with bipolar disorder.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:50pm

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Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in the 'Revenge of the Nerds' films and as Hilary Duff's father on the Disney Channel series 'Lizzie McGuire,' has passed away at the age of 71. Carradine's family confirmed that he died by suicide after a long battle with bipolar disorder.

Why it matters

Carradine was a beloved character actor who left an indelible mark on pop culture, particularly through his iconic role as Lewis Skolnick in the 'Revenge of the Nerds' franchise. His passing shines a light on the ongoing challenges of mental health issues in the entertainment industry and the importance of destigmatizing discussions around bipolar disorder.

The details

According to Carradine's family, the actor had been struggling with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades before his death. In a statement, his brother said Carradine 'was profoundly gifted' and that the family hopes his journey can 'shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.' Carradine's daughter, actress Ever Carradine, also paid tribute to her father, describing him as a loving and supportive parent who was always there for her.

  • Robert Carradine passed away on February 24, 2026.

The players

Robert Carradine

An American actor best known for his roles in the 'Revenge of the Nerds' films and as Hilary Duff's father on the Disney Channel series 'Lizzie McGuire.' Carradine had a long and successful acting career, with his first TV appearance in 'Bonanza' in 1971 and his film debut in 'The Cowboys' opposite John Wayne.

Ever Carradine

Robert Carradine's daughter, an actress known for her role in the Hulu series 'The Handmaid's Tale.'

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What they’re saying

“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. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”

— Robert Carradine's brother (Deadline)

“My dad died today. My sweet, funny dad, who's only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone. If you knew my dad, you know he's the guy that's always there. Invite him to dinner? He's in. Kid's Little League game in Simi Valley, just tell him what time. Red eye flight and need a ride home from the airport, just text him your column number after you get your bags.”

— Ever Carradine, Actress (Instagram)

What’s next

The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of Robert Carradine.

The takeaway

Carradine's passing highlights the ongoing challenges of mental health issues in the entertainment industry and the importance of destigmatizing discussions around bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. His family's openness about his struggle can help raise awareness and encourage others to seek support.