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Robert Carradine, the 71-year-old actor known best for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, died on Tuesday after a prolonged struggle with bipolar disorder.

His family issued a statement to Deadline, saying, “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.”

The youngest son of actor John Carradine, Robert was pushed into acting by his half-brother David Carradine. His surviving brother, Keith, said Robert was the bedrock of his family and had fought valiantly against his ailment.

“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.”

He started acting in 1972, with an appearance alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys. He appeared in Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning film Coming Home, along with Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. Robert also starred in The Long Riders alongside David and Keith as a trio of outlaw siblings.

The three brothers often performed music together, with Robert being gifted on the guitar despite having no formal training.

The actor’s co-stars from the 2001 show Lizzie McGuire paid their tributes on Instagram, with the show’s lead Hilary Duff saying, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

Jake Thomas, another co-star from the show, said “My heart hurts today. I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric.”

He eulogised the late actor, writing, “He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between.”

In the late 1980s, Robert formed the band The Waybacks with Mare Winningham. Robert was also a professional racing car driver, having raced at the Grand Prix level.

The actor is survived by his three children, Ever — an actor herself — Marika and Ian and his three grandchildren. The family remembers him as a doting father, favourite uncle and an eager babysitter for his grandchildren.

Cover photo: AFP