Robert Carradine Remembered: From ‘The Cowboys’ to ‘Revenge of the Nerds’

Robert Carradine, best known for his roles as Lewis Skolnick in the “Revenge of the Nerds” films and Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel sitcom “Lizzie McGuire,” passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. However, his career began decades earlier, with a memorable appearance alongside John Wayne in the 1972 Western, “The Cowboys,” a film released 33 years after his father, John Carradine, co-starred with Wayne in John Ford’s classic “Stagecoach.”

Early Career and ‘The Cowboys’

Carradine began his television career in the 1970s, with his first role in a 1971 episode of NBC’s “Bonanza,” titled “A Home for Jamie.” He later appeared with his half-brother, David Carradine, in a 1972 episode of “Kung Fu,” and that same year landed a role in “The Cowboys.”

Directed by Mark Rydell, “The Cowboys” was based on William Dale Jennings’ 1971 novel. The film held particular significance for John Wayne, as it depicted his character’s death – a scene where Wayne’s rancher, Wil Andersen, is shot by the antagonist Asa Watts, played by Bruce Dern. Carradine played Slim Honeycutt, one of the boys under Andersen’s care.

A Pivotal Moment for John Wayne

“The Cowboys” arrived after a period of both success and controversy for John Wayne. In 1970, he won an Academy Award for his performance in “True Grit.” However, in 1972, an interview with Playboy sparked outrage due to Wayne’s controversial views on civil rights and Native Americans. Some reports suggest his politics almost cost him the role in “The Cowboys,” making the film’s depiction of his character’s death all the more impactful for audiences.

In the film, Wayne takes on the role of a surrogate father to a group of boys, teaching them the ways of the West. Carradine’s character, Slim Honeycutt, is the second-oldest of the group. He participates in a fight with another boy, Cimarron, who later saves him from drowning. He is also present during the climactic scene where Andersen is shot by Watts. Wayne reportedly warned Dern before filming that audiences would likely react negatively to his character’s actions.

Success and a Short-Lived Spin-Off

“The Cowboys” proved to be a commercial success, grossing $19 million at the box office and receiving generally positive reviews, though some critics questioned the film’s portrayal of violence and traditional masculinity. The film led to a short-lived television spin-off, also titled “The Cowboys,” in which Carradine and Adolfo Martínez III reprised their roles. Overseen by “Bonanza” creator David Dortort, the series featured the boys under the care of Wil Andersen’s wife, but it was canceled after 12 episodes.

Later Career and Legacy

Despite the failure of the “Cowboys” television series, Carradine continued to enjoy a successful acting career. In 1984, he gained further recognition for his role as Lewis Skolnick in “Revenge of the Nerds.” He often spoke fondly of his time working with John Wayne, recalling how he and the other young actors idolized the legendary actor and attempted to emulate his mannerisms. In a 2019 interview with Word on Westerns, Carradine shared a story about how he and the other boys tried to copy Wayne’s distinctive style of tucking one pant leg into his boot.