Robert Carradine’s Brother Discusses Mental Health in the Wake of the Actor’s Death
Robert Carradine has died. The actor, famed for his work in Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds, died by suicide on February 23. In the wake of his tragic passing, his family, including brother Keith Carradine, is speaking out and sharing Robert’s journey with mental illness. They insist that they hope Carradine’s tragic death will bring awareness to serious mental health concerns and let the world know that there is no shame in what Carradine battled.
Robert Carradine died on February 23
Robert Carradine died on February 23, 2026, in New York City. While details surrounding the actor’s death were not immediately available, his family shared that he died by suicide. The actor, best known for his starring roles in Revenge of the Nerds, enjoyed lasting Hollywood success. He appeared in Lizzie McGuire as Sam, Lizzie’s father, and later appeared in several other movies and TV shows. He was working consistently up until his death. Carradine was just one month shy of his 72nd birthday.
While the Carrdine family has opted to speak more openly about Robert’s diagnosis, concerns around his mental health surfaced years before his death. In 2015, Carradine and his then-wife were involved in a head-on collision that they were lucky to walk away from. According to the Guardian, the accident, which occurred in Colorado, was discussed during divorce proceedings two years later. Carrdine alleged he was in a “psychotic state” during the accident after he alleges his ex-wife withheld his psychiatric medication. She claimed the accident was a failed murder-suicide attempt. They married in 1990 and separated in 2015. The divorce was finalized in 2018.
The Carradine family chronicled Robert’s battle with bipolar disorder following news of his passing
While it is common for families to avoid discussing what led to a loved one’s death, Carradine’s family is opting to speak out following his tragic passing. Keith Carradine, Robert’s brother, issued a statement following news of Robert’s death to discuss his battle with bipolar disoder.
In the statement shared with Deadline, Keith revealed that Robert had battled a bipolar disorder diagnosis for over two decades, and that the illness ultimately took his life. The elder Carradine told the outlet that the family opted to speak about his mental health journey as a way to destigmatize the illness and remind the world that there is no shame in mental health issues. He said, “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 was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”
Keith Carradine isn’t the only one who has spoken lovingly of Robert since his death. His daughter, Ever, also issued a public statement. In her statement, she highlighted his presence and supportive nature. Hillary Duff took to Instagram to offer her condolences, remembering her on-screen dad as caring and kind. She noted she was sad to learn he was suffering. Jake Thomas, who worked alongside Duff and Carradine, described the actor as the “coolest guy.”
