Actor Robert Carradine spent nearly two decades battling bipolar disorder, severe depression, anxiety, and recurring suicidal thoughts before his death earlier this year, according to newly released findings from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Carradine, best known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds, Lizzie McGuire and The Long Riders, died Feb. 23 at age 71. The Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide and listed the cause of death as brain injury associated with hanging.
Carradine’s daughter told investigators her father had struggled with mental illness for roughly 20 years and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The report states he also suffered from severe depression and anxiety and was taking multiple medications.
The report says Carradine checked himself into a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital where he had previously received treatment because he was experiencing ongoing suicidal thoughts.
According to investigators, a hospital employee went to Carradine’s room the following day to tell him his daughter was on the phone. That’s when he was found hanging and unresponsive.
The report states Carradine was in cardiac arrest when he was discovered. No suicide note was found.
Medical personnel attempted to revive him before he was transferred to an intensive care unit. Carradine survived for several weeks before dying on Feb. 23.
Family Speaks About Bipolar Disorder
Following his death, Carradine’s family publicly discussed his longtime struggle with mental illness.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said in a statement to Deadline.
The family described Carradine as “a beacon of light to everyone around him” and acknowledged what they called his “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder.
“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness,” the family said.
His brother, actor Keith Carradine, said the family wanted people to understand that mental illness was at the center of Robert’s death.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith Carradine told Deadline. “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.”
Keith Carradine described his brother as “profoundly gifted” and remembered him as funny, wise and accepting of others.
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A Career That Spanned Generations
Robert Carradine came from one of Hollywood’s most famous acting families.
He was the youngest son of actor John Carradine and the brother of actors David and Keith Carradine.
Carradine made his film debut in 1972’s The Cowboys alongside John Wayne before appearing in films including Mean Streets, Coming Home, The Big Red One and The Long Riders.
His most recognizable role came in 1984 when he starred as Lewis Skolnick in the comedy classic Revenge of the Nerds, a performance that made him a household name for an entire generation of moviegoers.
Years later, he found a new audience playing Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff’s title character in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.
Outside acting, Carradine was passionate about music and race car driving. He performed with family members and friends throughout his life and competed at high levels of motorsports, including racing with Team Lotus alongside actor Paul Newman.
Family members said his greatest joy was raising his children and spending time with his grandchildren.
His niece, actress Martha Plimpton, described him as everyone’s favorite uncle.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
