Robert Carradine, the character actor best known to younger viewers as Sam McGuire on Lizzie McGuire, has died at 71, his family announced. They said he had struggled with bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years and that complications related to the condition contributed to his death. On set, colleagues remember him as warm, steady and quietly generous with younger cast members.
An outpouring of condolences followed the news. Hilary Duff, Jake Thomas and Lalaine — among others who worked with him on the Disney Channel series — posted tributes that highlighted Carradine’s kindness, professionalism and the calm presence he brought to long shooting days. The family asked for privacy as they grieve and expressed hope that Robert’s openness about his mental health might help reduce stigma and encourage more conversation about care and support.
On set and off: memories from cast and crew
Cast members recall small, everyday gestures that made a big difference during production: offering acting tips during rehearsal, patiently coaching newer performers, or simply creating a welcoming atmosphere between takes. Those who knew him say he had a way of steadying a cast without calling attention to himself — the sort of colleague people turned to when schedules ran long and tempers frayed.
Hilary Duff described feeling profound sadness at his passing and gratitude for the supportive environment he helped shape. Many former co-stars echoed that mix of fondness and sorrow, and repeatedly asked the public to respect the family’s wish for privacy.
A long, varied career
Carradine’s career stretched across film, television and theatre. Long before Lizzie McGuire introduced him to a new generation, he appeared in films such as Revenge of the Nerds and worked on projects including Mean Streets. On television he turned up in recurring and guest roles on ER, The Practice and NYPD Blue, among others. Casting directors and colleagues often praised his range and reliability — the kind of actor who could handle both comedy and drama and who quietly raised the work around him.
After Lizzie McGuire’s original run, he returned as Sam McGuire for the 2003 feature film and later filmed two episodes for a proposed Disney+ revival that was ultimately halted amid creative disagreements. Even in recent years, he remained active: smaller film projects and guest spots kept him working and collaborating with new generations of performers.
The halted revival
The cancelled Lizzie McGuire revival became a talking point when the reboot stopped after two episodes. Publicly, cast and creators sparred over tone — whether to keep the series squarely for younger viewers or to allow it to grow up with its audience. Hilary Duff later said she had wanted a more adult, nuanced take on the character; others involved pointed to differing creative visions. The dispute, which surfaced relatively late in production, left the project in limbo and disappointed fans who had hoped to see the original cast return.
Family statement and legacy
In a statement after his death, the Carradine family remembered Robert as a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother whose presence they called a light in their lives. They confirmed his long battle with bipolar disorder and said they hoped sharing that part of his story would help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. He is survived by three children, grandchildren, siblings and a wide circle of friends and collaborators. His brother Keith Carradine praised Robert’s humor, wisdom and tolerance, and acknowledged how the illness affected him.
Why this matters
Beyond mourning a working actor and a family member, many responses to Carradine’s death have pushed the conversation into how the entertainment industry supports mental health. Public disclosures by well-known people can change how audiences and employers talk about care, and Carradine’s family expressed the wish that his experience might spur better access to support on and off set.
For viewers, revisiting his work — from early films to later television roles — is a reminder of his steady presence across decades. For colleagues, he will be remembered for generosity, professionalism and a knack for making sets feel less daunting for those starting out.
An outpouring of condolences followed the news. Hilary Duff, Jake Thomas and Lalaine — among others who worked with him on the Disney Channel series — posted tributes that highlighted Carradine’s kindness, professionalism and the calm presence he brought to long shooting days. The family asked for privacy as they grieve and expressed hope that Robert’s openness about his mental health might help reduce stigma and encourage more conversation about care and support.0