Robert Carradine, 'Revenge of the Nerds, 'Lizzie McGuire' actor, dead at 71

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FILE-Actor Robert Carradine attends the LA premiere of "Sentimental Value" at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) theatre in Los Angeles on November 5, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Robert Carradine, the actor best known for his roles in the 1984 film "Revenge of the Nerds" and the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire" has died. He was 71. 

Carradine's family wrote a statement obtained by Deadline on the entertainer's passing: 

"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. 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."

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Hilary Duff social media post about Carradine 

Dig deeper:

Hilary Duff, who played Robert Carradine's on-screen daughter in "Lizzie McGuire," shared an emotional Instagram tribute for the actor on Monday night. 

"This one hurts," Duff wrote. "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. 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."

Who was Robert Carradine?

The backstory:

Robert Carradine was born in 1954 and was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and a brother of actors David Carradine, Keith Carradine, and Christopher Carradine. He made his movie debut in 1972 alongside John Wayne in "The Cowboys."

Robert Carradine later starred in "Revenge of the Nerds." In "Lizzie McGuire," he played the McGuire family patriarch, Sam. And some of the actors' other notable movie credits include "Escape from L.A.," "The Big Red One," "Body Bags," "The Long Riders" and "Django Unchained."

Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers and extended family, TMZ reported.