Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his role in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise, has died.
Born on March 24th 1954, Robert Carradine was born into the prolific Carradine legacy. His father was screen legend John Carradine, and his brothers were actors David, Keith, Christopher, and Bruce.
With acting in his blood, Carradine began his career at the age of eighteen, with a small part in John Wayne’s The Cowboys. He’d later play a part in the short-lived television series of the same name.
Next, Carradine would team up with his brother David in two projects, Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets and 1976’s You and Me.
Carradine would work steadily through the 1970s, appearing in several films that proved hugely popular on the drive-in circuit. His credits at this time included Cannonball, 1977’s killer whale flick Orca, and 1976’s Massacre at Central High.
Carradine earned strong notices for his turn in the 1978 Oscar winning Vietnam drama Coming Home. This would continue with 1980’s WWII drama The Big Red One, co-starring Mark Hamill.
Another genre role followed in 1982, with Carradine starring opposite Linda Hamilton in TAG: The Assassination Game.
1984 would see Carradine earn the feature role for which he remains best known, playing Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds. The film would gross over $50 million at the box-office, and spawn three sequels, all of which Carradine would return for.
Away from the big screen, Carradine guest starred on some of the most popular television shows throughout the years. He can be seen in shows like Bonanza, Police Story, E.R., and The Practice.
However, it is Carradine’s turn as patriarch Sam McGuire in the Disney channel sitcom Lizzie McGuire for which he’ll undoubtedly remain best known. Playing the role for three years, Carradine would also take the part to the big screen in 2003’s The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Continuing to work steadily until his death, Carradine has three projects listed as “in production,” but it is unknown if he was able to commit to filming.
Robert Carradine died on February 23rd 2026, a spokesperson confirmed Carradine had “taken his own life after a long battle with bipolar disorder.”
The actor is survived by his three children. Robert Carradine was 71 years old.
Rest in peace, Robert.
