Robert Carradine Remembered by ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Cast Following Death at 71
Robert Carradine, a veteran actor known for roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” and as Hilary Duff’s on-screen father in the beloved Disney series “Lizzie McGuire,” has died at the age of 71. His family announced on Monday, February 24, 2026, that Carradine died by suicide after a 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from his former co-stars.
Carradine’s family shared their decision to publicly disclose the cause of death in hopes of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Carradine’s brother, Keith, told Deadline. “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his elegant soul.”
Hilary Duff, who starred as Lizzie McGuire, shared her grief on Instagram, posting photos from the set and writing, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an vintage 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.” The Disney Channel series, which aired from 2001 to 2004, remains a touchstone for a generation of viewers.
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Matt, also took to social media to express his sorrow. “My heart hurts today,” according to Rolling Stone, Thomas wrote. “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.” He added, “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.”
Lalaine, who portrayed Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez, also shared a remembrance on social media, stating, “It’s really not fair….”
Carradine’s career spanned decades, beginning with a role in 1972’s “The Cowboys” alongside John Wayne and Bruce Dern. He continued to work steadily in film and television, appearing in critically acclaimed movies like Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” (1973) and “Coming Home” (1978), as well as more recent projects like Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” (2012). His versatility and enduring presence made him a recognizable face across generations of moviegoers.
The actor’s passing serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. Carradine’s family hopes that by sharing his story, they can encourage others to seek help and break down the barriers to open conversation about mental illness.
