Robert Carradine, the actor known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died. He was 71.

Carradine died by suicide on Feb. 23, according to a statement from his family. His brother, Keith Carradine, confirmed the news and said the death followed a nearly two decade battle with bipolar disorder.

“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,”

the statement read. The family expressed hope that speaking publicly about his illness may help address stigma surrounding mental health.

A Career Across Generations

Carradine rose to prominence in 1984 as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, a college comedy that became a commercial success and later developed a cult following. His performance as the earnest and underestimated fraternity leader defined the film’s tone and led to multiple sequels.

In the early 2000s, he returned to mainstream attention as Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s title character in Lizzie McGuire. The Disney Channel series ran from 2001 to 2004 and became a defining program for a generation of young viewers. Carradine’s role as a steady and supportive parent introduced him to a new audience.

Born into the Carradine acting family, he built a career across film and television that spanned more than four decades. His work ranged from studio comedies to independent projects and television dramas.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that shows significant shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and concentration. The condition was previously known as manic depression.

There are three primary types of bipolar disorder.

• Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least one week and may require hospitalization.
• Bipolar II disorder includes patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania.
• Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic fluctuations between mild depressive and hypomanic symptoms.

According to the DSM-5, the disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Treatment includes mood stabilizing medications, psychotherapy, and long-term management strategies. With proper care, many individuals with bipolar disorder are able to manage symptoms and maintain functional stability.

Given his age of onset (roughly mid-life) and the long-standing nature of his struggles, Carrandine may have had Bipolar I or Bipolar II, with Bipolar I being more likely in someone whose illness resulted in a fatal crisis.

Carradine’s family said they hope public acknowledgement of his diagnosis may encourage others to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available.

In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In Australia, Lifeline is available at 13 11 14.

If you are elsewhere, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your country.