The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a familiar face, Robert Carradine, who passed away at 71. Best known to a generation as Hilary Duff’s warm-hearted dad, Sam McGuire, in the beloved Disney series *Lizzie McGuire*, and for his iconic role as Lewis Skolnick in *Revenge of the Nerds*, Carradine leaves behind a profound legacy both on and off screen.
His family recently shared the heartbreaking news that Robert took his own life after a valiant two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder. In a powerful move to combat the silence surrounding mental illness, his family bravely announced the cause of his passing. “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” his brother Keith Carradine told Deadline, emphasizing the importance of open conversation. “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.”
Tributes have poured in from former co-stars, including Hilary Duff. “This one hurts,” Duff shared on Instagram, recalling the warmth of the McGuire family and how cared for she felt. Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt, also expressed his sorrow, remembering Bobby as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric.”
Carradine’s career spanned decades, featuring diverse roles from his early days in *The Cowboys* alongside John Wayne to appearances in films like Martin Scorsese’s *Mean Streets* and Quentin Tarantino’s *Django Unchained*. However, it was his relatable portrayal of Sam McGuire that truly endeared him to millions.
As we remember Robert Carradine, we not only celebrate his remarkable talent and the joy he brought to audiences but also honor his family’s courageous decision to highlight mental health awareness. Their hope is that his story can help shine a light on the stigma, reminding us all that there is no shame in seeking help and talking openly about mental illness.
Source: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/robert-carradine-lizzie-mcguire-tributes-newsupdate/
