Who is Robert Carradine? A Look Back At The Actor's Movies and TV Shows, From Lizzie Maguire to Revenge of the Nerds

Hilary Duff has paid tribute to her Lizzie McGuire co-star Robert Carradine following his death at the age of 71. Carradine, who played her on-screen father, died after a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder, his family confirmed. Duff wrote on Instagram that 'this one hurts' and said she always felt cared for by her television parents. Co-star Jake Thomas also shared his grief, describing Carradine as talented, pragmatic and, above all, family.

For those unfamiliar, they might be wondering: Who exactly was Robert Carradine?

Who Is Robert Carradine? A Career Across Film And Television

Robert Reed Carradine was born on 24 March 1954 in Los Angeles to actress and artist Sonia Sorel and actor John Carradine. He was part of the Carradine acting family, the brother of Christopher and Keith Carradine, and a paternal half-brother of Bruce and David Carradine. His early life included a custody dispute after his parents divorced, during which he and his brothers spent three months as wards of the court in a home for abused children.

He was raised mainly by his stepmother, Doris Grimshaw, and believed she was his mother until meeting Sonia Sorel at a Christmas party at age 14. While in high school, he lived with his half-brother David in Laurel Canyon, where he pursued race-car driving and music. The brothers performed together in a musical quartet in clubs across Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Early Film Roles And Hollywood Beginnings

Carradine made his film debut in 1972 in The Cowboys, starring John Wayne. He later appeared in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets, playing a killer who shoots a character portrayed by David Carradine.

In 1976, he played Jim Cantrell in Cannonball, a cross-country car race film directed by Paul Bartel. The following year, he appeared in the thriller Orca and joined the cast of Joyride. In 1978, he took on a role in Coming Home, the Oscar-winning Vietnam War drama directed by Hal Ashby.

Carradine continued to work steadily in 1980, portraying one of the Younger brothers in The Long Riders alongside his brothers. That same year, he co-starred in The Big Red One, a World War II drama directed by Samuel Fuller. In 1983, he appeared in the science fiction film Wavelength and performed several of his own songs for the project.

Revenge Of The Nerds And Commercial Success

Carradine achieved his most recognised commercial role in 1984 as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. To prepare, he spent time at the University of Arizona during rush week to observe fraternity culture. He reprised the role in three sequels and served as executive producer on the latter two films.

The role established him in popular culture and led to later appearances connected to the franchise, including events such as the 2018 Niagara Falls Comic Con. In 2001, he appeared in Max Keeble's Big Move, and in 2000 he co-starred in Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. His film work continued alongside regular television roles.

Lizzie McGuire And Television Work

Carradine's television career began in 1971 with an appearance on Bonanza. He later appeared on Kung Fu in 1972 and continued with roles in The Survival of Dana and the miniseries The Sun Also Rises. In 1987, he appeared in Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8.

From 2001 to 2004, he played Sam McGuire, the father of the title character in Lizzie McGuire, starring Hilary Duff. He reprised the role in The Lizzie McGuire Movie in 2003, bringing the character to cinema audiences. He later appeared in series including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Jane Doe, ER and Celebrity Wife Swap.

In January 2013, he reunited with Revenge of the Nerds co-star Curtis Armstrong to host King of the Nerds on TBS. His career spanned more than five decades across film, television and reality programming.

Personal Life And Death

Carradine had three children, including actress Ever Carradine. He was also the uncle of actress Martha Plimpton.

He died by suicide in Los Angeles on 23 February 2026 at the age of 71, following a two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. His death was announced by his brother Keith Carradine.