Robert Carradine, who played Sam McGuire on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, has died at age 71. His family confirmed he struggled with Bipolar Disorder for nearly two decades and died by suicide.
The news comes as Hilary Duff’s music career is experiencing a resurgence with a new album and tour, making the loss particularly poignant for fans of the late 1990s and early 2000s Disney Channel phenomenon.
Family Statement
Carradine’s family released a statement to Deadline describing him as a beacon of light to everyone around him. They acknowledged his valiant struggle against mental illness and expressed hope that his journey could help reduce stigma around mental health challenges.
The statement requested privacy to grieve while thanking supporters for their understanding and compassion. Beyond acting, which included iconic roles in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise, Carradine was a musician and racecar driver who remained deeply involved with his family.
Lizzie McGuire Cast Tributes
Hilary Duff posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute expressing how much the loss hurt. She wrote about the warmth in the McGuire family and how she always felt cared for by her on-screen parents. Duff expressed deep sadness at learning Carradine had been suffering, noting her heart ached for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt McGuire, posted an emotional tribute describing Carradine as one of the coolest people you could ever meet, funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, and always a little eccentric. Thomas praised him as a talented actor, musician, and director, but emphasized that, above all, he was family.
Thomas shared fond memories from throughout his life, noting he looked up to Carradine while growing up and later realized Carradine thought he was pretty neat too. He expressed that his heart was with Carradine’s wife Marika and son Ian.
The Lizzie McGuire Legacy
Lizzie McGuire aired on Disney Channel from 2001 to 2004, becoming one of the network’s defining series. The show followed Lizzie as she navigated middle school alongside best friends Miranda and Gordo, with her thoughts expressed through an animated version that provided comedic commentary. The series spawned The Lizzie McGuire Movie in 2003.
Sam McGuire provided steady paternal presence alongside Hallie Todd who played Lizzie’s mother Jo. Carradine brought genuine warmth and humor to the role, creating a character that felt like an actual dad rather than just a television construction.
The Lizzie McGuire Reboot That Never Happened
The timing feels particularly cruel, as a Lizzie McGuire revival was in development before being cancelled in 2020 due to creative differences. Writer Jonathan Hurwitz later revealed that the planned storyline would have focused on Lizzie’s adult life as an interior designer in New York City, dealing with a relationship betrayal, before returning to California and her childhood bedroom.
The revival would have reunited the original cast, including Carradine reprising his role, allowing audiences to see how the family dynamic had evolved. Recent success of other Disney Channel reboots, like the announced continuation of Wizards of Waverly Place, had reignited speculation about whether Lizzie McGuire might return, but Carradine’s death eliminates any possibility of recreating the original family dynamic.
Mental Health Context
The family’s decision to openly discuss Carradine’s struggle with Bipolar Disorder and the circumstances surrounding his death highlights the importance of reducing stigma around mental health. They hope that by sharing his journey, it will encourage others to confront similar challenges. This approach not only honors a tragic loss but also provides support to those facing similar issues.
For fans who grew up watching Lizzie McGuire, Carradine represented a specific type of television father who felt real and relatable. His death removes another connection to a beloved childhood television experience while highlighting the ongoing challenges of mental illness.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
