LOS ANGELES — Robert Carradine, best known for his role as Sam McGuire in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71, his daughter confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 24.
His daughter, Ever Carradine, announced his passing in a statement on Instagram. The cause of death was not disclosed. In a separate statement to international media, the family said the actor had battled bipolar disorder for nearly two decades and expressed hope that sharing his story would help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him,” the family said, describing his long struggle and encouraging greater awareness of mental health issues.
Hilary Duff, who played his daughter on “Lizzie McGuire,” paid tribute on social media, saying she was deeply saddened to learn he had been struggling.
Carradine made his film debut in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne. He later appeared in the Oscar-winning film Coming Home and rose to fame as Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise.
