Frank Rondel
Robert Carradine, the actor known for iconic roles in The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, and the Disney series Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at the age of 71, taking his own life, reports customreceipt.com via deadline. Born March 24, 1954, Carradine was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine and the brother of actors David, Keith, and Christopher Carradine. His family highlighted his nearly two-decade struggle with Bipolar Disorder, emphasizing the courage he displayed in facing mental illness.
The Carradine family released a statement expressing deep sorrow over his death: “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. 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.”
Keith Carradine also spoke about Robert’s life, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging his brother’s struggle with Bipolar Disorder: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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. 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.”
Carradine’s acting career began in 1972 with The Cowboys, starring alongside John Wayne, a role for which his brother David encouraged him to audition. He went on to appear in Hal Ashby’s Coming Home with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight, earning critical acclaim. In 1973, he worked with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets, further establishing his reputation.
In 1980, two of his films were featured at the Cannes Film Festival: Samuel Fuller’s The Big Red One, with Mark Hamill and Lee Marvin, and Walter Hill’s The Long Riders, where he acted alongside brothers David and Keith Carradine. The film cast real brothers to portray real-life outlaw siblings, including the Younger brothers, Frank and Jesse James, and the Miller brothers. During filming, David Carradine purchased his movie horse, Z-Tan, which later lived on Robert’s Hollywood Hills property, often seen ridden by his daughter, Ever Carradine.
Perhaps Carradine’s most famous role came in 1984 with Revenge of the Nerds, portraying Lewis Skolnick alongside Anthony Edwards. The film became a defining cult classic, with Carradine’s performance leaving a lasting mark on popular culture. Later, he introduced himself to a younger audience as the father in Lizzie McGuire.
Beyond acting, Carradine pursued music passionately, performing with brothers Keith and David, and collaborating with folk legends such as Peter Yarrow and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. In the late 1980s, he formed a band called The Waybacks with Mare Winningham. Another lifelong passion was race car driving, beginning with go-karts at age 11, eventually racing at Grand Prix levels and joining Team Lotus alongside Paul Newman.
Carradine was a devoted father to Ever, born in 1974 with Susan Snyder, and later to Marika and Ian with Edith Mani. He cherished his role as uncle and grandfather, frequently attending family events, Little League games, and horse shows. His niece, Martha Plimpton, recalled him as everyone’s favorite uncle. Known for his generosity, humor, and unwavering kindness, Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
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