Robert Carradine, the actor best known to many viewers as the warm, slightly bewildered father on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire and as Lewis Skolnick in the cult comedy Revenge of the Nerds, has died at 71. His family confirmed that Carradine died by suicide following a long struggle with bipolar disorder, a disclosure relatives said they hoped would encourage more open conversation about mental health and reduce stigma.

Carradine died on Monday, February 23, 2026, according to reports from major outlets citing family confirmation and public records. In statements shared publicly, relatives described him as a loving father and a gifted performer whose illness became increasingly difficult over time. Coverage noted that family members chose to be explicit about the cause of death, emphasizing that bipolar disorder is a medical condition and not a moral failing.

In the hours after his death became public, a wave of sensational social-media posts alleged “industry betrayal,” a “hidden financial nightmare,” or a “Hollywood curse” connected to the Carradine family. No evidence has been provided by authorities or reputable reporting to substantiate those claims. The most consistent, independently reported details center on the family’s account of a prolonged mental-health battle.

Carradine’s career spanned more than five decades and ranged from early television appearances to steady work in film and episodic series. He entered the industry young—born into the well-known Carradine acting family—and built a reputation as a dependable character actor with an easy comic rhythm. While his half-brothers David and Keith Carradine achieved broader name recognition, Robert carved out his own niche, moving between mainstream projects and offbeat roles that later gained cult followings.

For a generation of viewers, his most enduring television legacy may be Lizzie McGuire, where he played Sam McGuire, the grounded dad in a household defined by adolescent chaos and sharp humor. After news of his death, tributes from colleagues and former co-stars highlighted his kindness on set and the stability he brought to productions that depended on ensemble chemistry.

Carradine’s death has also revived public attention on bipolar disorder and the reality that severe mood disorders can remain both chronic and life-threatening—even for people with strong families, professional success, and public admiration. Mental-health advocates stress that meaningful support often requires sustained clinical care, community connection, and early intervention, not just willpower or privacy.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are outside the U.S., local crisis hotlines and emergency services can provide immediate support.