‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star Robert Carradine Has Passed Away at 71
Robert Carradine, the veteran actor perhaps best known for playing Sam McGuire on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71.
News of Carradine’s passing was shared by his brother, Keith. Robert’s two-decade struggle with Bipolar Disorder led him to take his own life.
“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 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,” his family said in a statement.
Photo: Deadline
“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.”
Joining the Family Business
Born March 24, 1954, Robert Carradine was the youngest son of actor John Carradine. Like his brothers David and Keith, Robert would join the family business.
After his brother convinced him to audition for the role, Robert made his big-screen debut in John Wayne’s The Cowboys.
Photo: IMDb
From there, he appeared in a series of critically acclaimed films, including Coming Home, Mean Streets, The Big Red One, and The Long Riders.
Photo: IMDb
In the latter film, Carradine got the opportunity to star alongside his brothers, Keith and David, as the Younger Brothers.
‘Revenge of the Nerds’
In 1984, Carradine starred in Revenge of the Nerds as Lewis, a socially awkward college student who leads a group of outcasts.
Photo: The Mirror
Carradine would go on to reprise his iconic role in three more Revenge of the Nerds films.
‘Lizzie McGuire’ and Disney Career
Despite his expansive film career, for a generation of fans, Robert Carradine will always be remembered as Lizzie McGuire’s father.
Photo: PEOPLE
His portrayal of Sam McGuire as a loving but sometimes clueless father endeared him to millions.
His other Disney roles included Maxwell Dweeb in Totally Minnie, Don Keeble in Max Keeble’s Big Move, and Malachi Van Helsing in Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire.
Photo: PEOPLE
Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and anyone who had the honor of having him in their lives. His family asks for privacy at this time.
