Robert Carradine: "Revenge of the Nerds" Actor Dies at 71

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Veteran Hollywood actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in the cult comedy "Revenge of the Nerds" and Sam McGuire in the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire," has passed away.

He passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71 and was confirmed by his family who revealed the cause of death was suicide.

In an official statement, the Carradine family explained that the actor had struggled with bipolar disorder for nearly two decades.

His brother, Keith Carradine, was one of the first to announce the tragic news.

The family hopes their openness about Robert's condition will help remove the stigma attached to mental illness, a crucial issue in the world of celebrity news and the wider public.

Robert Carradine, who previously starred in ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ has passed away at 71. pic.twitter.com/XSZOJClAl0

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 24, 2026

Robert Reed Carradine was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 24, 1954, into a family steeped in acting.

He was the son of legendary actor John Carradine and actress Sonia Sorel, and part of the famous Carradine dynasty, along with his brothers David and Keith Carradine, who were also actors.

His iconic role as Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 film "Revenge of the Nerds" made him a widely recognized face in the comedy genre.

Furthermore, his portrayal of Sam McGuire, the father of the title character in the popular Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire," is also deeply ingrained in the hearts of fans.

He made his acting debut in 1972 in the film "The Cowboys," where he starred opposite John Wayne.

His last recorded role was in the film "The Night They Came Home," released in 2006, marking the end of his long career in film.

Robert Carradine's death, announced as a suicide, has opened up important discussions about mental health.

The Carradine family publicly stated that Robert had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades, a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

In a statement released to Deadline, the Carradine family expressed their profound sadness.

They called Robert a "light for everyone around him" in a world that felt dark.

They also explicitly acknowledged "Bobby's tenacious struggle with bipolar disorder" and hoped his journey would "highlight and encourage addressing the stigma attached to mental illness."

Keith Carradine, Robert's brother, added that they wanted the public to know about his brother's struggles and emphasized that "there's no shame in it."

Keith also described Robert as the "foundation" of their acting family.

Hilary Duff, who played his daughter on "Lizzie McGuire," expressed her grief on Instagram, writing that the news was "heartbreaking" and that she felt "always so cared for by my on-screen parents."

Jake Thomas, who played his on-screen brother, Matt McGuire, also paid tribute, calling Carradine "one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet."

Even Connie Lamothe, the director of his final film, "The Driver," felt a sense of foreboding when Robert stopped responding before a script reading in January 2026.

Robert's bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.

The family hopes this case will help address the stigma, encourage more people to seek help, and raise awareness of the availability of mental health crisis services like 988 in the United States.