Actor Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71, his family and representatives confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The news marks a loss for fans of the veteran performer, known for roles spanning decades of film and television.
In a statement, Carradine’s family expressed their grief and shared a message of hope. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Robert Carradine,” the statement read. “We hope his journey can shed light and encourage the fight against the stigma associated with mental illness,” acknowledging the actor’s long struggle with severe depression and bipolar disorder.
Born in 1954, Carradine came from a prominent acting family, as the youngest son of the late John Carradine and brother to David and Keith Carradine. His brother, Christopher Carradine, previously served as a vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Carradine began his film career in 1972 with a role in The Cowboys, alongside John Wayne. He later gained wider recognition for his performance in 1984’s Revenge of the Nerds. In more recent years, he became known to a new generation of viewers as the father on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, a role that showcased his versatility as an actor.
Hilary Duff, who starred as Lizzie McGuire, reacted to the news, saying, “This one hurts.” She continued, “There was so much love in the McGuire family and I always felt so loved by my TV parents. I’ll be forever grateful.”
