Actor Robert Carradine Dies At Age 71

The beloved member of the storied Carradine acting clan struggled with Bipolar Disorder for two decades.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in films like The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, and Lizzy McGuire, has died at the age of 71. Carradine came from a family of actors, including his brothers David, Keith, and Christopher. He had a long career in Hollywood but also battled Bipolar Disorder for nearly two decades.

Why it matters

The Carradine family is considered a Hollywood dynasty, with multiple generations of acclaimed actors. Robert Carradine's death at a relatively young age shines a light on the challenges of mental illness, even for those in the public eye. His family hopes his story can help reduce the stigma around Bipolar Disorder.

The details

Robert Carradine made his big screen debut in 1972 alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys, a role his brother David convinced him to audition for. He went on to appear in acclaimed films like Coming Home, Mean Streets, The Big Red One, and The Long Riders, often co-starring with his brothers. His biggest success was the Revenge of the Nerds franchise, where he played the lead role of Lewis Skolnick. In later years, he found a new generation of fans through the Lizzy McGuire TV series. Outside of acting, Carradine was passionate about music, race car driving, and raising his three children as a single father.

  • Robert Carradine was born on March 24, 1954.
  • He made his film debut in 1972.
  • Carradine starred in Revenge of the Nerds in 1984.
  • He appeared in the Lizzy McGuire TV series in the early 2000s.
  • Carradine passed away on February 24, 2026 at the age of 71.

The players

Robert Carradine

An American actor best known for his roles in The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, and Lizzy McGuire. He came from a family of acclaimed actors, including his brothers David, Keith, and Christopher Carradine.

Keith Carradine

Robert Carradine's older brother, who is also an acclaimed actor.

David Carradine

Robert Carradine's older brother, who was also an actor and starred alongside Robert in The Long Riders.

Christopher Carradine

Robert Carradine's older brother, who is a Disney Imagineer.

Ever Carradine

Robert Carradine's daughter, who is also an actress.

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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 on 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. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss.”

— Carradine Family (Deadline)

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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 (Deadline)

The takeaway

Robert Carradine's passing at a relatively young age highlights the ongoing challenges of mental illness, even for those in the public eye. His family's openness about his Bipolar Disorder battle aims to reduce the stigma around this condition and inspire others struggling with similar issues.