Actor Robert Carradine, known for his memorable roles in film and television, passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 71. The actor’s family shared the news in a heartfelt statement to Deadline, expressing their sorrow and highlighting Carradine’s battle with bipolar disorder.
A Life Filled with Laughter and Struggle
In their statement, Carradine’s family described him as a “beacon of light” who brought joy to those around him. They acknowledged his nearly two-decade struggle with mental illness and expressed hope that his journey would help reduce the stigma associated with such conditions. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness,” they wrote, requesting privacy as they grieve.
Robert Carradine rose to fame playing the endearing nerd Lewis Skolnick in the iconic comedy film Revenge of the Nerds. His career began in the early 1970s, starting with a role in the film Cowboys. Over the years, he became a familiar face on television, notably portraying Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff‘s character in the popular Disney series Lizzie McGuire.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Friends
Following the news of his passing, Hilary Duff shared her memories of Carradine on social media, expressing her sadness over the loss of a cherished friend. “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend,” she wrote. Duff recalled the warmth of their on-screen family and conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Carradine’s family.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who reminisced about her encounters with Carradine, also paid tribute on her Instagram account. Curtis recounted their first meeting on the Dinah Shore show, where Carradine’s charm shone through. She fondly recalled moments spent together, including thrilling car rides in his Corvette on Mulholland Drive.
Carradine is survived by his wife, Edie Mani, whom he married in 1990, as well as his brothers: David Carradine, Keith Carradine, Bruce Carradine, Christopher Carradine, and Michael Bowen. He leaves behind three children: Ever Carradine, Marcia Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine.
Keith Carradine has indicated that the family hopes to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and the challenges that come with it. As fans and colleagues remember Robert Carradine, his legacy will likely continue to inspire conversations around mental health and the importance of compassion in addressing such issues.
