Actor Robert Carradine, thebeloved star known for his rolesin 'Revenge of the Nerds,' 'Lizzie McGuire,' and 'The Long Riders,' has sadly passed away at 71. His family confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement toDeadlineon Monday, 23 February.
His older brother, Keith Carradine, revealed that the veteran actor had privately battled bipolar disorder for two decades, and unfortunately, the illness got the best of him. In an effort to turn the tragedy into a source of light and hope, Carradine's family decided to share his struggle, hoping his story would raise vital awareness for mental health.
In honor of his legacy, here are five photos in remembrance of the actor and the indelible mark he left on the industry.
In a statement sent to Deadline, Robert Carradine's family has announced his passing after his 20-year battle with bipolar disorder. Carradine was 71 years old and was about to celebrate his 72nd birthday on 24 March.
According to his older brother, Keith Carradine, the mental illness got the best of his younger brother, Bobby.
The statement read: '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.'
The veteran actor is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
Keith also said their family revealed Carradine's struggles as they wanted the world to know about his brother's mental illness in hopes of raising awareness. 'We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,' he said.
He added, '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.'
Carradine's older half-brother, David, died aged 72 from asphyxiation in a hotel room in Thailand in 2009, a tragedy that triggered the mental illness, which was eventually diagnosed as bipolar disorder, an illness that the actor faced for 20 years.
Source: International Business Times UK
