Hollywood is mourning the loss of veteran actor Robert Carradine, who passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds and as the warm-hearted father Sam McGuire in the Disney Channel hit series Lizzie McGuire, Carradine's death marks the end of a prolific career spanning over five decades.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement to Deadline on Monday, February 23, revealing that Carradine died by suicide following a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder. His brother, actor Keith Carradine, emphasized the family's hope that speaking openly about Robert's mental health journey would help address the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Born on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, Robert Reed Carradine was part of the renowned Carradine acting family, the son of actor John Carradine and brother to actors David and Keith Carradine. His diverse filmography included early roles in John Wayne's 1972 Western The Cowboys and Martin Scorsese's 1973 crime drama Mean Streets, alongside a later appearance in Quentin Tarantino's 2012 film Django Unchained. Fans will fondly remember his endearing performances, which brought joy and relatability to many generations.

Tributes have poured in from former co-stars, including Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter Lizzie McGuire, and Jake Thomas, who played his son Matt McGuire. Both shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on Carradine's kindness and talent. He is survived by his children, Ever, Marika, and Ian.