Robert Reed Carradine, youngest son of iconic Hollywood family the Carradine’s and an actor for more than five decades, passed away on February 23, 2026, at age 71. Carradine's family announced he had died by suicide due to years-long struggles with bipolar disorder. They decided to be open about the circumstances of his death in hopes that it may help dissipate the stigma surrounding mental illness.
By Allan R. Ellenberger
Carradine was born March 24, 1954, into a family of actors. His father was character actor John Carradine, his mother Sonia Sorel was an actress and painter, and his brothers and half-brothers include Keith, David, Christopher and Bruce Carradine. Although acting was in his blood, Robert managed to make strange characters relatable. He effortlessly transitioned from low budget 1970s movies, cult classics, to even Disney sitcoms.
He began working as an actor when he was very young. His debut film was The Cowboys (1972), a western starring John Wayne which introduced many young actors. Throughout the 1970s Carradine collaborated with some of the most influential directors of his generation. He appeared in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets (1973) and Hal Ashby's Coming Home (1978), embracing darker and more natural roles that would come to define the decade. He also starred alongside his family in The Long Riders (1980), where real-life brothers portrayed brothers in a film that blended old-West myths with a post-modern sensibility.
The 1970s made him respected, but the 1980s made him iconic. In Revenge of the Nerds (1984), Carradine portrayed Lewis Skolnick, who became the soul of the franchise. He was genuine, driven, and could be laughable without being mean-spirited. The movie became a cult classic, and Lewis became a symbol of underdogs triumphing. Carradine reprised the role for a few sequels, forever tied to the character who made being dorky something to embrace.
Years later he earned fans from a new generation. Playing Sam McGuire on Disney Channel's series Lizzie McGuire and its film Carradine portrayed a father many could relate to - supportive, occasionally bewildered and always loving. Fan tributes following his death showed both sides of his legacy - some knew him as "Lewis" and others as Lizzie McGuire's father. Carradine showed that an actor can transcend a cult role without abandoning it.
Behind the scenes Carradine had troubles like most people. He has three kids including daughter actress Ever Carradine. Family always came first for him. In 2017 estranged wife Edith ("Edie") Carradine alleged numerous things against him in court pertaining to a car accident. These allegations were made public and painted a negative picture. Many of these statements were later proven false demonstrating how little we really know about someone's private family life. He also made headlines with a traffic violation early on in his career. This case received national attention during the 1990s.
The Carradine brothers: Keith, David and Robert Carradine in The Lost Riders (1980)
In recent years, family and friends said he privately suffered from bipolar disorder which became exacerbated following the death of his half-brother David in 2009. David's passing had a strong impact on the Carradine family and further took a toll on Robert. His family expressed their love by speaking out about mental illness after his passing, also imploring society to not take suffering lightly.
At this time, funeral and burial details have not been shared, and the family has asked for privacy. What is clear is the legacy he leaves behind: the young actor in a John Wayne western, the supporting roles in important 1970s films, the brother acting with brothers, the “nerd” who made outsiders feel understood, and the TV dad who helped a generation grow up. Robert Carradine’s career showed great range, but what stood out most was his steady presence—he always seemed like someone you already knew.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). In the U.K. and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123.
If Robert Carradine’s life and work meant something to you, I invite you to leave a comment, rate the tribute, and share this remembrance so his legacy continues to be celebrated.
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