Robert Carradine’s Cause of Death Confirmed
Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. His death has been ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office, following a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.
Details of Carradine’s Death
According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of death was determined to be sequelae of anoxic brain injury from hanging Page Six. An anoxic injury occurs when the brain is completely deprived of oxygen, and sequelae are conditions resulting from a prior injury or illness.
Family Statement and Battle with Bipolar Disorder
Carradine’s family shared a statement expressing their profound sadness and acknowledging his long struggle with bipolar disorder. They expressed hope that his journey would encourage open discussion and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness E! Online. “In a world that can perceive so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him,” the family stated.
His brother, Keith Carradine, emphasized the importance of recognizing bipolar disorder as an illness, stating, “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.” E! Online
Tributes from Co-Stars and Peers
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. Hilary Duff, who starred with Carradine in Lizzie McGuire, shared her grief on Instagram, recalling the warmth and care she felt from her on-screen parents and expressing sadness that Carradine was suffering E! Online.
Career Highlights
Robert Carradine had a prolific career spanning several decades. He gained recognition for his role in the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds and later found a new audience as Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire The Wrap. He also appeared in films such as The Cowboys (1972) and Coming Home (1978) The Wrap.
Carradine was a member of the acting Carradine family, which includes his brothers David and Keith Carradine The Wrap.