Robert Carradine, Paternal Half-Brother of David Carradine, Dies at 71 After Bipolar Disorder Battle
Feb. 24, 2026 — Actor Robert Carradine, the paternal half-brother of the late David Carradine and youngest son of John Carradine, died on February 23 at age 71 after a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder, his family confirmed in statements reported by multiple outlets.
Carradine, known for roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, took his own life, according to Wikipedia and news reports. No location for the death was specified in the announcements.
Family Statement and Tributes
The family released a statement highlighting Carradine’s mental health battle:
“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.”
His brother Keith Carradine described him as “profoundly gifted” and added:
“We want people to know about what he called his brother’s valiant struggle with Bipolar Disorder. ‘We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,’ he said. ‘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.'”
Hilary Duff, who starred with him on Lizzie McGuire, posted on Instagram: “This one hurts… My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
Carradine Family Connections
Robert Carradine was the son of actor John Carradine and brother to actors Keith Carradine and Christopher Carradine, with David Carradine—star of Kung Fu—as his paternal half-brother, as confirmed by Parade and Wikipedia. The family tree includes niece Martha Plimpton, daughter of Keith, and daughter Ever Carradine.
The brothers collaborated on films like The Long Riders (1980), portraying outlaw siblings, and Robert appeared with David in Mean Streets (1973).
Other reports referred to him as a brother or half-brother to David, part of the acting dynasty: ABC7, Men’s Journal, NBC Los Angeles.
Career Highlights
Carradine debuted in The Cowboys (1972) and starred as Lewis in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise. He played Sam McGuire on Lizzie McGuire and appeared in Coming Home (1978). He also pursued music and race car driving.
