After Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds star Robert Carradine died on Feb. 23 at the age of 71, his official cause of death has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
‘Lizzie McGuire’ Star Robert Carradine’s Cause of Death Confirmed
Content warning: This story discusses suicide.
New information has emerged about the death of Robert Carradine.
After the Lizzie McGuire alum’s death on Feb. 23 at the age of 71, he was determined to have died by suicide, according to records from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner that were viewed by E! News.
Robert’s passing was confirmed by his family, who shared that the Revenge of the Nerds actor had struggled with bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years.
“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness,” his family shared in a statement to Deadline Feb. 23. “At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
Robert’s brother Keith Carradine noted his family wanted the public to know about the struggles Robert faced, adding “there is no shame” in bipolar disorder.
“It is an illness that got the best of him,” Keith told the publication, “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.”
Robert’s daughter Ever—who he shared with Susan Snyder—posted a touching tribute to her father after his passing, writing on Instagram, “If you knew my dad, you know he’s the guy that’s always there.”
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“Growing up in the 70s and 80s with a single dad in Laurel Canyon is not exactly the recipe for a grounded childhood, but somehow mine was,” the 51-year-old continued. “Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad.”
“Rest easy, dad,” she added. “I love you the most.”
Robert—who is also dad to kids Marika and Ian with Edith Mani—was remembered by his Lizzie McGuire costars as well, including Hilary Duff.
“This one hurts,” Hilary wrote on Instagram. “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,” she said. “I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
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