Warning: This piece includes references to suicide and may be upsetting for some readers.
Fans and colleagues have been sharing tributes following the death of Lizzie McGuire actor David Carradine at the age of 71.
He portrayed Lizzie’s father, Sam, in the Disney Channel series and the 2003 film adaptation.
Carradine had previously spoken candidly about his mental health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and he died by suicide on Monday (February 23).
In a statement to Deadline, his family said: “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.
“We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.”
They continued: “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.
“At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
Hilary Duff, who starred opposite Carradine throughout the show’s run from 2001 to 2004, was among those paying respects.
Sharing her reaction on Instagram, she wrote: “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.
“I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
Carradine is the second performer connected to the series to have died. Daniel Escobar — who played the school teacher Mr. Escobar — died in December 2013 aged 49 due to complications from diabetes.
With the show having ended 22 years ago, here’s a look at what the rest of the Lizzie McGuire cast has been doing since.
After the series wrapped in 2004, Duff built a major film and music career, starring in projects such as Cheaper by the Dozen and A Cinderella Story, and releasing multi-platinum records including Metamorphosis.
In more recent years, she has taken on a leading role and executive producer duties for the 2025 Hulu drama Pretty Ugly. She also released her latest album, Luck… Or Something, and announced the 2026 Lucky Me world tour, with dates planned across North America, Europe, the UK, and Australia.
Adam Lamberg, who played Lizzie’s best friend, largely moved away from acting after the show and shifted into work outside the entertainment industry, including a position at the Irish Arts Center in New York.
He was later linked to the planned Lizzie McGuire Disney+ continuation, which was ultimately canceled in December 2020 after two episodes were filmed, reportedly because of creative disagreements between Duff and Disney.
Ashley Brillault, known for playing Kate — initially Lizzie’s rival before the relationship softened — appeared in both the series and the movie.
She stepped away from acting in 2004 and pursued a new professional path.
Brillault went on to earn her law degree and became a criminal defense attorney in California.
She is now married and has two children.
Alex Borstein appeared in The Lizzie McGuire Movie as Ms. Ungermeyer, the strict teacher overseeing the group’s Rome trip.
Outside of that role, Borstein has voiced Lois on Family Guy since 1999 and later gained major acclaim for playing Susie Myerson in Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jake Thomas played Lizzie’s mischievous younger brother and appeared across all 65 episodes of the series.
He continued working steadily in television, with credits including House M.D., CSI: Miami, and Cold Case, and has spoken positively in later interviews about his time working on Disney productions.
Clayton Snyder played Ethan, the popular classmate, in both the series and the movie.
After college — where he also played water polo — Snyder continued acting in a range of roles, including the 2019 film Alien Warfare.
He later transitioned into real estate work (as listed on Zillow) and married actor Allegra Edwards in 2020.
Hallie Todd portrayed Lizzie’s supportive, offbeat mom, Jo.
She kept acting after the series ended and also co-wrote and co-produced the 2020 sports drama The Last Champion.
In addition, she works as an acting coach and author, focused on helping young performers develop their skills.
Yani Gellman played Paolo, the Italian pop star who becomes central to Lizzie’s storyline in Rome.
Following the film, he stayed active in TV and movies, including appearances on Pretty Little Liars and 90210.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.