Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine has sadly passed away. The actor was 71.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In a statement, his family confirmed that Carradine died by his own hand. His brother, Keith Carradine, revealed that Robert died from suicide. According to Keith, Robert Carradine struggled with mental illness and suffered from Bipolar Disorder.
It's something he battled for more than 20 years.
The family issued this statement to Deadline: "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."
Robert Carradine Dies
According to Keith, the family wanted to be frank about Robert Carradine's passing and his struggles. They say that he will be profoundly missed.
"We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he said. "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."
Robert Carradine leaves behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood. He made his film debut in the iconic 1972 western with John Wayne called The Cowboys. But it was arguably Revenge of the Nerds that made him a household name. The 1980s comedy remains popular even today.
Outside of his career, Robert was a family man and father to Ever, Marika, and Ian. According to his niece, he was also everyone's favorite uncle. In more recent years, he became a loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.
