Robert Carradine, the American actor beloved for his role as Lewis Skolnik in Revenge of the Nerds and as Lizzie McGuire’s dad, died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71. His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans around the world and raised important discussions about mental health.

Carradine came from a celebrated acting family and had a career spanning more than five decades, appearing in films and television shows that made him a recognizable face in Hollywood.

Cause of Death

According to reports confirmed by his family and outlets covering his death, Robert Carradine died by suicide after a long struggle with mental health issues, particularly Bipolar Disorder. His family released a statement acknowledging his nearly twenty-year battle with the condition, describing how it affected him even as he remained a “beacon of light” to those around him.

Carradine’s brother, actor Keith Carradine, spoke publicly about Robert’s illness, emphasizing that there is no shame in mental health struggles and encouraging a more compassionate conversation around the stigma that often surrounds them.