'Revenge of the Nerds' and 'Lizzie McGuire' Actor Robert Carradine Passes Away – Details

Hollywood has lost one of its most familiar faces, and the heartbreaking truth behind his passing is what has the public reeling.

Robert Carradine, the actor who charmed generations from college comedies to Disney Channel living rooms, has died at 71.

The beloved performer — best known for "The Long Riders," "Revenge of the Nerds," and "Lizzie McGuire" — died by suicide, according to his family. The devastating news was first reported by Deadline.

Robert wasn't just a Hollywood staple; he was part of a legendary acting dynasty and, as his older brother Keith Carradine described, the "bedrock" of the family. But behind the warmth and humor that lit up screens for decades was a private struggle few fully understood.

In a statement shared with Deadline, his family revealed the depth of that battle. "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him [sic]," the statement reads.

They continued with words that have since struck a chord across Hollywood: "We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder."

The family also made it clear they hope his story sparks change.

"We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness," they added, before asking for privacy as they grieve this "unfathomable loss."

Keith also spoke candidly about his brother's illness, something the family says should not be hidden in shame.

"We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he asserted. "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 described Robert as "profoundly gifted," remembering how funny, wise, and "utterly accepting and tolerant" he was.

For many millennials, though, Robert will always be Sam McGuire: Lizzie McGuire's lovable, steady dad on the Disney Channel hit.

Following the announcement that Robert died by suicide after his 20-year battle with bipolar disorder, the "Lizzie McGuire" cast shared their heartbreak and remembered his "constant fatherly like [sic] support" on set, according to Deadline.

And perhaps the tribute that hit fans the hardest came from Hilary Duff herself. In one of the photos Hilary shared, the McGuire family beams together in their sitcom kitchen, Robert smiling warmly beside his on-screen wife and kids.

The cover image is a close-up of Hilary and Robert, both flashing bright smiles that now feel especially bittersweet. In her emotional caption, the actress didn't hold back her heartbreak.

"This one hurts. It's really hard to face this reality about an old friend," she penned. "There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and [sic] I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I'll be forever grateful for that."

Then came the line that may have stunned many:

"I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering."

"My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him," Hilary Duff added, punctuating the tribute with a broken heart emoji.

Robert is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and countless loved ones who considered him family.

And while the laughs he gave us — from nerdy mischief to heartfelt TV dad moments — will live on, his family hopes his final chapter encourages something deeper: open conversations about mental health and compassion for those fighting silent battles. More details on the story will follow shortly.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.