Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Hilary Duff has shared a message after learning of the death of actor Robert Carradine, who played her on-screen father, at 71.
Carradine, known for roles in The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, and Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, had previously spoken candidly about living with bipolar disorder and the impact it had on his life.
His family has said he died by suicide on Monday (February 23).
In a statement issued to Deadline, Carradine’s 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 on 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. 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.”
Reflecting on Carradine’s long-term mental health battle, his brother Keith Carradine emphasized that there should be no stigma attached to struggling.
He stated: “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.”
Since the news broke, friends and fans have been paying tribute — including Duff, who worked closely with Carradine during Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004.
Duff posted an emotional remembrance on Instagram, looking back on their time on the show and the support she felt from the cast.
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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
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.