Robert Carradine, 'Lizzie McGuire' Star, Dies by Suicide at 71

The actor's family revealed his two-decade battle with bipolar disorder

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Robert Carradine, best known for his role as Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire", has passed away at the age of 71. According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office, Carradine's cause of death was confirmed as suicide by hanging, resulting in anoxic brain injury. Carradine's family shared that he had been struggling with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades before his tragic passing.

Why it matters

Carradine's death shines a light on the challenges of living with mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder, and the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding it. His family's decision to be transparent about the cause of his death aims to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help for their own mental health struggles.

The details

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Carradine's manner of death was suicide, with the cause being sequelae of anoxic brain injury from hanging. Carradine's family revealed that he had been battling bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years, and that his diagnosis came after the death of his brother, David Carradine, in 2009. The family expressed their hope that by sharing this information, they can help shine a light on mental illness and encourage others to seek the support they need.

  • Robert Carradine passed away on February 23, 2026.
  • Carradine was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2009, following the death of his brother, David Carradine.

The players

Robert Carradine

An American actor best known for his role as Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire". Carradine struggled with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades before his tragic passing.

Keith Carradine

Robert Carradine's younger brother, who is also an actor. Keith Carradine spoke about his brother's battle with bipolar disorder and the family's decision to be transparent about the cause of his death.

Ever Carradine

Robert Carradine's eldest daughter, who is an actress known for her role in "The Handmaid's Tale". She penned an emotional tribute to her father following his passing.

Hilary Duff

The actress who played the title role in the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire", in which Robert Carradine portrayed her on-screen father.

Jake Thomas

The actor who played Lizzie's brother on the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire", and who also paid tribute to Robert Carradine following his death.

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What they’re saying

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That's who my baby brother was.”

— Keith Carradine, Robert Carradine's brother (pagesix.com)

“This one hurts. It's hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I'll be forever grateful for that. I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him.”

— Hilary Duff (pagesix.com)

“My heart hurts today. I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric. But more than anything, he was family. I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes.”

— Jake Thomas (pagesix.com)

What’s next

The family has requested privacy to grieve this tragic loss, but they hope that by sharing details about Robert Carradine's battle with bipolar disorder, they can help raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The takeaway

Robert Carradine's passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges of living with mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder. His family's openness about the cause of his death aims to encourage others struggling with similar issues to seek the support and treatment they need, and to destigmatize conversations around mental health.