American Actor Robert Carradine, ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star, Dies At 71

American actor Robert Carradine, known for roles in the ’80s ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ films and the ‘Lizzie McGuire’ TV show and movie, has died. He was 71.

His family released a statement revealing that the actor took his own life after living with bipolar disorder for almost two decades.

“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.”

His brother, who is also an actor, Keith Carradine, told the public about Robert’s mental health situation.

“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 in how utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”

Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff led the tributes to her former on-screen father, posting on Instagram, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend.”

Robert was born March 24, 1954 and was the youngest son of John Carradine and a brother to actors David (late) and Keith Carradine. Keith told the media that Robert was the backbone of their family.

The late actor made appearances in several movies, including Oscar-winning ‘Coming Home’ (1978), ‘The Big Red One’ (1980) and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’ (2012).