‘Lizzie McGuire’ star Robert Carradine dead at 71 following lengthy struggle with bipolar
American actor Robert Carradine, best known for starring in Lizzie McGuire, has died by suicide aged 71 after a lengthy battle with bipolar disorder.
In a statement, his family announced his tragic passing, writing, “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him.”
The Carradine family then highlighted his lengthy battle with bipolar disorder, adding, “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.”
They went on to say they “hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Their emotional statement concluded, “At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
His brother, Keith, also said “there is no shame” to succumbing to mental health conditions, before noting, “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul.”
In the hit teen programme Lizzy McGuire, which aired between 2001 and 2004 on the Disney Channel, he played the father of the titular character, portrayed by Hilary Duff.
Duff has honoured Carradine, writing on Instagram, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.”
Duff continued, “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.”
Carradine, the son of John Carradine, came from a long line of actors and began in the film industry in the early 1970s, making his debut in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne. His most notable role in Hollywood was starring in Revenge of the Nerds in 1984, as well as the two subsequent sequels.
Carradine is survived by his three children, Ever, Marica Reed and Ian Alexander.
For help, advice or more information regarding bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and mental health issues in the UK, visit Mind, CALM or Samaritans. In the US, visit Samaritans USA.
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