Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star, Dies at 71

Robert Carradine, a beloved character actor best known for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds film series and as Sam McGuire in Disney’s Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by Deadline on February 24, 2026.

A Long Battle with Bipolar Disorder

Carradine tragically took his own life after a nearly two-decade-long struggle with Bipolar Disorder, according to a statement released by his family. The family emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness and hoped his journey would encourage others to seek help.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family stated to Deadline. “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 attractive soul and desire 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.”

His brother, Keith Carradine, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”

Career Highlights

Robert Carradine’s career spanned several decades, with memorable roles in a variety of films and television shows. He first gained recognition for his work in The Long Riders (1980) before becoming a household name with his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise. He reprised the role of Lewis Skolnick throughout the 1990s.

More recently, Carradine was known for his role as Sam McGuire, Hilary Duff’s father, on the popular Disney series Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004) and its accompanying film, as reported by EW.

Family and Legacy

Robert Carradine is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. He was the brother of actor Keith Carradine and the father of actress Ever Carradine, known for her role in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Carradine’s passing marks another loss for the entertainment industry in 2026.