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

Robert Carradine, the actor best known for his role as Lewis Skolnick in the “Revenge of the Nerds” film series, died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. His family confirmed his death, citing a long struggle with bipolar disorder.

Who Was Robert Carradine?

Robert Carradine enjoyed a career spanning over four decades, beginning with early roles in television and film. He first appeared in “Bonanza” in 1971 and “The Cowboys” in 1972 . He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds” and later appeared as Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire” . Carradine as well showcased his versatility in dramatic roles in films like “The Substantial Red One” and “Coming Home” .

He was the youngest son of the prolific character actor John Carradine, and part of a Hollywood family that also included brothers David, Keith, and Christopher .

Robert Carradine’s Battle with Bipolar Disorder

Carradine’s family shared that he had been battling bipolar disorder for nearly two decades . They expressed hope that his experience would encourage open discussion and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. His brother, Keith Carradine, told Deadline, “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I aim for to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his stunning soul” .

Personal Life and Family

Robert Carradine was married to Edith “Edie” Mani for 25 years, from 1990 to 2018 . Their marriage faced significant challenges, including an incident in 2015 when Carradine drove their car into an oncoming semi-truck in Colorado, which he later attributed to a psychotic episode caused by missing his bipolar medication . According to court documents, Edie claimed he admitted to attempting to “kill us both” .

Carradine had three children: Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine . Ever, from a previous relationship with Susan Snyder, is also an actress, with credits including “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Commander in Chief” . Marika and Ian are from his marriage to Edie Mani.

The Carradine Family Legacy

The Carradine family is a prominent name in Hollywood history. John Carradine, Robert’s father, had over 350 film and television credits. Robert’s brothers, David and Keith Carradine, also achieved significant success in the industry. David Carradine died in 2009 . Keith Carradine is an Oscar and Golden Globe winner . Actress Martha Plimpton is Keith Carradine’s daughter, and Ever Carradine continues the acting tradition in the family .