Robert Carradine dies at 71 by suicide after battling bipolar disorder. Family shares emotional tribute as Hollywood mourns the Revenge of the Nerds star.
Robert Carradine dies at 71 by suicide after battling bipolar disorder [Photo: X]
Hollywood is mourning the loss of veteran actor Robert Carradine, best known for his iconic role in Revenge of the Nerds and as the warm-hearted father in Lizzie McGuire. The 71-year-old actor died by suicide after living with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades, his family confirmed.
They chose to speak openly about his mental health battle in hopes of breaking stigma and encouraging awareness. Tributes from fans, co-stars and family members continue to pour in, remembering Carradine not just as a talented performer but as a kind and deeply loved man.
Robert Carradine was an American actor born on March 24, 1954. He came from one of Hollywood’s most well-known acting families. As the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine, he grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry.
He built a career that spanned over five decades in film and television. Audiences especially loved him for playing awkward but lovable characters who often stood out with charm and intelligence.
The Carradine family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement. His older brother, Keith Carradine, shared the message publicly. “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away (sic),” the Carradine family said.
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of 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," the statement added.
The family also said, "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. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion (sic)."
Keith further told the media, "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it (sic)." "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," he added.
The family confirmed that Robert Carradine died by suicide. They openly stated that he had battled bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years. His relatives said they wanted to speak honestly about the cause of death to raise awareness about mental health issues. They emphasised that bipolar disorder is an illness and should not carry shame.
According to family members, Carradine struggled with bipolar disorder for years. His mental health reportedly worsened after the death of his half-brother, David Carradine, in 2009.
The tragic loss deeply affected him and eventually led to a formal diagnosis. Though he continued working and spending time with family, he privately fought ongoing mental health challenges. His family now hopes his story will encourage others to seek help and speak openly about mental illness.
Despite a long and varied career in Hollywood, Robert Carradine’s estimated net worth was around $300,000. This figure reflects earnings from decades of acting in films and television, rather than the blockbuster-level wealth often associated with some Hollywood stars.
His roles in Revenge of the Nerds, Lizzie McGuire and other projects brought him widespread recognition, but did not translate into massive financial accumulation compared to many peers.
Robert Carradine married twice. He first married Susan Snyder, with whom he had a daughter, actress Ever Carradine. Later, he married Edith Mani, and the couple had two children together.
He remained close to his children and grandchildren. Family members described him as a devoted father and grandfather who attended sports games and family events whenever possible.
Revenge of the Nerds (1984) – Played Lewis Skolnick, his most iconic and career-defining role.
Robert belonged to a famous acting dynasty. His siblings included Keith Carradine and Christopher Carradine, as well as half-brothers David and Bruce Carradine. Most of them pursued careers in entertainment, making the Carradine name widely recognised in Hollywood.
Carradine built a diverse career that balanced comedy and drama. He appeared in Oscar-winning projects, cult classics and beloved television series. Many critics once predicted he could become one of the strongest dramatic actors in his family.
However, fans will always remember him most as the intelligent, kind-hearted “nerd” who made audiences laugh and as the supportive TV dad who brought warmth to family screens. His legacy now includes not only his performances but also his family’s powerful message about mental health awareness.
Robert Carradine’s death has deeply saddened fans and the film industry. Best known for Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, he built a career that spanned over five decades. Though his net worth was modest, his cultural impact was significant.
His family’s openness about his bipolar disorder has sparked important conversations about mental health. They hope his story encourages compassion and removes stigma. Carradine will be remembered not just for his roles but for his warmth and humanity. His legacy now extends beyond the screen to awareness and understanding.
