Robert Carradine, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ Star and Lizzie McGuire Dad, Dies at 71
Feb. 24, 2026 — Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his role as Lewis in the “Revenge of the Nerds” franchise and as Sam McGuire, father to Lizzie McGuire, died Friday at age 71, according to multiple reports.
Carradine’s family confirmed his death in a statement, noting he had struggled with bipolar disorder.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said.
Family Background
The youngest son of prolific character actor John Carradine, who appeared in over 200 films, Robert was part of a prominent Hollywood family. His brothers included Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine, with their mother Sonia Sorel. Details of the Carradine family tree have been highlighted in numerous obituaries.
Career Highlights
Carradine gained fame for playing nerdy college student Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds” and its sequels, as detailed in his obituary. He later portrayed the quirky father Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel series “Lizzie McGuire” from 2001 to 2004. His filmography also included roles in Westerns and other projects, following in his father’s footsteps, per biographical sources.
Tributes Pour In
Hilary Duff, who starred as Lizzie McGuire, mourned her onscreen father. The BBC reported Duff’s tribute, while TMZ covered her emotional response. Additional coverage appeared in The Guardian and Deadline, emphasizing his legacy in film and television.
