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Robert Carradine, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in ‘Revenge of the Nerds ‘ and ‘Lizzie McGuire’, left this world far too soon. His family confirmed his passing on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71, revealing he had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades. Now details from his death certificate shed light on the final steps, painting a somber picture of closure for a man whose on-screen warmth touched millions.
Final arrangements confirmed
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s records, reported by E! News, list the official cause of Robert Carradine’s death as sequelae of anoxic brain injury due to hanging. He passed away in a hospital setting after the incident, with the manner ruled as suicide. Following this, his body underwent cremation, and his ashes were scattered at sea, honoring a quiet, personal farewell chosen by those who loved him most.
Carradine’s manager spoke to NBC News about his long fight with mental health challenges, noting the “his disorder had gripped him tightly in recent years”. The family echoed this in their initial statement to Deadline, saying they hoped to shine a light on his journey and break the stigma around mental illness. They asked for privacy during their grief, appreciating the compassion shown by fans worldwide.
A life in Hollywood
Born into the legendary Carradine acting dynasty in 1954, Robert Carradine carved his own path as the youngest son of John Carradine. His breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds, where he played nerdy Lewis Skolnick, a character that became a cultural touchstone for underdogs everywhere. The film’s sequels kept him in the spotlight through the 90s, blending humor with heart.Younger audiences adored him as Sam McGuire, the quirky dad on Disney’s Lizzie McGuire from 2001–to 2004. Sharing the screen with Hilary Duff, he brought a gentle, relatable charm to the role, making family dynamics feel real and fun. His filmography stretched further, including parts in ‘The Big Red One’, ‘The Hitcher’, and TV spots on shows like ‘The Cowboys.’
Family’s heartfelt tribute
Robert Carradine is survived by three children: actress Martha Plimpton from his first marriage to Susan Snyder, and Marika Reed Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine from his later union with Edith Mani. His brother, Keith Carradine, told USA Today that the condition overwhelmed him despite his talent and spirit. “We want people to understand this, and there is no stigma attached to it,” Keith shared, honoring Robert’s courage.The Carradine name carries weight, with siblings like David and Keith leaving indelible marks on film and music.
