Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine has sadly died at the age of 71, with co-star Hilary Duff leading tributes.
Robert was best known for playing Lizzie’s dad, Sam McGuire, opposite Hilary in the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire and its big-screen spin-off, The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Over the course of his career, he also appeared in projects including Kung Fu and Revenge of the Nerds.
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Death of Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on February 23, when his family released 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 of 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 statement read.
His brother, Keith Carradine, also spoke out, saying the family hoped Robert’s story would help others better understand bipolar disorder.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he said. “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 February 24, Hilary took to Instagram to honour her former on-screen dad with an emotional message.
Sharing a throwback photo of the pair, along with another image from their time filming Lizzie McGuire, she began: “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’
In the wake of the news, fans also took to social media to share their heartbreak and memories.
“I just watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie earlier today. Rest in peace, Sam McGuire,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Our TV dad. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to grow up with him in your life at such an important time in your career.”
“He was the dad I wish I had. I really looked up to him,” a third shared.
Meanwhile, someone else added: “A father figure to an entire generation. He will be deeply missed.”
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