Los Angeles, Feb 24 (UNI) Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. The veteran performer, who had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades, died by suicide, his family confirmed.
The Carradine family said they chose to publicly share the cause of his death in an effort to raise awareness about mental health and the stigma surrounding it.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Robert’s brother Keith told Deadline.
In a statement, the family said, “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 privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion,” the statement added.
The family further added, “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.”
Over the course of his career, Carradine appeared in several notable projects, including Bonanza, Kung Fu, The Cowboys and later participated in the reality competition series King of the Nerds.
Robert was the son of legendary character actor John Carradine. He is survived by his three children, including actress Ever Carradine.
