Robert Carradine, Youngest of Carradine Brothers, Dies by Suicide at 71 Amid Bipolar Battle
Feb. 23, 2026 — Robert Carradine, the youngest of the Carradine brothers, died by suicide at age 71 after a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder, his family confirmed to Deadline.
His brother, Keith Carradine, one of the famed Carradine brothers, verified the cause of death, emphasizing the family’s desire to raise awareness about mental illness.
Family Statement
The Carradine brothers‘ family issued a statement expressing profound grief:
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. 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.
Keith Carradine’s Tribute
Keith Carradine, reflecting on his younger brother among the Carradine brothers, told reporters:
We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.
The bipolar disorder reportedly worsened following the 2009 death of their half-brother David Carradine, another of the prominent Carradine brothers.
Career Highlights
Sons of actor John Carradine, the Carradine brothers—David, Keith, and Robert—starred together as the Younger brothers in the 1980 Western The Long Riders. Robert debuted in The Cowboys (1972) with John Wayne and gained fame as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds (1984) and its sequels, as well as playing Sam McGuire in Disney’s Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004), per The Guardian.
Other credits include Mean Streets (1973), Coming Home (1978), and The Big Red One (1980).
Legacy of the Carradine Brothers
The Carradine brothers formed part of Hollywood’s acting dynasty, with Robert survived by children Ever, Marika, and Ian, and grandchildren. Tributes highlighted his kindness and humor, as noted by niece Martha Plimpton.
