Fans around the world woke up to sad news on February 24, 2026: beloved character actor Robert Carradine best known to many as the bumbling but loving father on the Disney Channel sitcom and as Lewis Skolnick in the cult hit comedy that launched him to wider recognition has died at 71. Family statements and multiple outlets report that Carradine had been living with bipolar disorder for years and died by suicide, a fact his relatives have shared publicly in the hope that it reduces stigma and spurs compassion.
From a Hollywood dynasty to kids’ TV
A member of one of Hollywood’s most storied acting families, Carradine began appearing on-screen in the early 1970s and built a steady career across film and television. He first drew attention with roles in films of the 1970s and 1980s, then found a defining part as the earnest, nerdy Lewis in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds a role that made him a cult favorite among moviegoers. Later generations knew him as the well-meaning dad on the family sitcom Lizzie McGuire, where his warmth and comic timing helped him reach a new audience of young fans.
The Carradine family and artistic lineage
Robert was part of a sprawling family of actors; his brother Keith Carradine and half-brother David were also prominent performers, and his own daughter Ever Carradine has an active acting career. The Carradines have often been the subject of both admiration for their theatrical contributions and scrutiny because of the very public ups and downs in several family members’ lives. In statements following Robert’s death, family members emphasized both grief and the desire for greater awareness about mental illness.
What reports say about the cause of death
Multiple reputable outlets report that Carradine “killed himself after years of living with bipolar disorder,” and family statements quoted in outlets covering the story describe his long struggle and ask that the conversation around his death focus on compassion and destigmatizing mental-health care. Journalistic accounts include reporting from major U.S. and international outlets; those stories also place his death in the context of a family history that has seen both extraordinary talent and tragic losses.
Colleagues and fans reacting
Tributes began pouring in from co-stars, industry peers and fans on social platforms. Many remember him for his approachable, everyman charm the side of his work that made him especially resonant in family-oriented roles. Celebrity statements that have been circulated note his generosity and the quiet mentorship he offered younger actors. (Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter in the Disney series, was among those to post a message of loss and gratitude.)
Why this matters now mental health and celebrity
Robert Carradine’s death has reignited a recurring public debate: how do we talk about mental illness in a way that’s honest but not sensational, that honors privacy but also encourages people to seek help? Family statements deliberately framed the disclosure of his bipolar disorder as an effort to fight stigma a reminder that high visibility doesn’t shield someone from severe illness. Health professionals and advocates often urge framed, empathetic reporting and sharing of resources when public figures die by suicide; many outlets reporting on Carradine’s passing included contextual notes and links to mental-health organizations.
Remembering the roles: legacy on screen
Carradine’s range from the physical comedy of a cult 1980s film to the gentler, parental warmth in a hit kids’ show meant he touched several generations. Whether viewers first met him as a lovable nerd or a sitcom dad, his performances are likely to remain part of the pop-culture memory of both eras. Film and TV retrospectives and obituaries in mainstream outlets are already collecting clips, quotes and career highlights to mark his contribution to screen acting.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please seek help right away. If you are in the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are elsewhere, local emergency services or national suicide-prevention hotlines can connect you with immediate help. You are not alone.
