Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Carradine, the actor best known for his unforgettable turn as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. He was 71.
Carradine, who also starred in The Long Riders and later won over a new generation of fans on the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire, died by suicide following a long struggle with Bipolar Disorder, according to his family.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline, the Carradine family described him as a “beacon of light” in a world that can feel dark, while also acknowledging his nearly two-decade battle with mental illness. They expressed hope that his journey would help break the stigma surrounding Bipolar Disorder and encouraged open conversations about mental health.
His older brother, Keith Carradine, spoke candidly about Robert’s struggle, calling it “an illness that got the best of him.” He emphasized there is no shame in mental illness and said the family wants people to understand the depth of Robert’s fight. “He was profoundly gifted,” Keith said, remembering his brother as funny, wise, accepting and deeply tolerant.
Born March 24, 1954, Robert Carradine came from one of Hollywood’s most storied acting dynasties. He was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine and the brother of actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine. He made his film debut in 1972 opposite John Wayne in The Cowboys, a role he reportedly auditioned for after brother David told him he had “everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
From there, Carradine carved out a career that stood firmly on its own. He appeared in Coming Home alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight, worked with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets, and earned critical attention for his performance in The Big Red One. In 1980, he even had two films screening at the Cannes Film Festival, including The Long Riders, where he starred alongside his real-life brothers.
But it was 1984’s Revenge of the Nerds that cemented his place in pop culture history. As the lovable, brainy Lewis Skolnick, Carradine became the face of an underdog franchise that defined an era. Decades later, he found fresh fame as the dad on Lizzie McGuire, introducing himself to a whole new audience.
Offscreen, Carradine was as colorful as his career. He was a passionate race car driver who competed at the Grand Prix level and once drove for Team Lotus alongside Paul Newman. He also loved music, frequently playing guitar with his brothers and performing at venues like The Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado. In the late 1980s, he formed a band called The Waybacks with Mare Winningham.
Family, however, remained at the center of his world. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. His niece, actress Martha Plimpton, reportedly called him everyone’s favorite uncle. He was known for showing up to little league games, horse shows, and happily babysitting his grandkids. According to loved ones, he never held grudges, made friends wherever he went, and was always the first to volunteer for an airport run.
The Carradine family is asking for privacy as they grieve what they called an “unfathomable loss.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.
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