Death of Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine announced as Hilary Duff pays emotional tribute
He had a nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar DisorderLizzie McGuire actor Robert Carradine tragically died at the age of 71, and his co-star Hilary Duff has paid tribute.
Robert was widely known for portraying Lizzie’s father, Sam McGuire, alongside Hilary on the popular Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and in its early-2000s film adaptation, The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
He also starred in other TV series, such as Kung Fu and Revenge of the Nerds.
Death of Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine
The tragic news was shared last night (February 23), when his family issued a statement to Deadline.
“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 on 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,” it said.
Keith Carradine expressed that the family hoped the public would better understand what he described as his brother’s valiant struggle with bipolar disorder.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he explained. “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.”
Hilary Duff shares tribute
On Instagram this morning (February 24), Hilary took to her page with a touching tribute.
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While sharing a photo of her with Robert and another of her on set for Lizzie McGuire with their other co-stars, Hilary admitted: “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,” she continued.
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‘He was the dad I wish I had’
Following the announcement, other tributes poured in from fans.
“I just watched the Lizzie McGuire movie earlier today. Rest in peace, Sam McGuire,” one user wrote.
“Our TV dad. I’m so so sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have grown up having him in your life at such a special time during your career,” another person shared.
“He was the dad I wish I had. I looked up to him,” a third remarked.
Meanwhile, a fifth added: “A father figure to an entire generation. He will be so missed.”
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