Robert Carradine Dead: Lizzie McGuire Star Dies at 71 After Bipolar Battle

Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine is dead at age 71 after a decades-long battle with Bipolar Disorder.

Carradine’s family confirmed the news of his death on Monday, February 23.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” they told Deadline in a statement. “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.”

An official cause of death has not been confirmed.

Robert’s brother, Keith Carradine, told the outlet that the family wanted to shed light on what they called the actor’s “valiant struggle” with Bipolar Disorder.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he explained to 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. 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.”

Robert, who was beloved for his role as Hilary Duff’s dad on Lizzie McGuire, is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews and “anyone who had the honor of having him in their life.”

This story is still developing.