Former Disney Channel stars Hilary Duff and Jake Thomas have honored the life of their onscreen Lizzie McGuire dad Robert Carradine following the actor’s death by suicide at age 71.
Hours after Carradine’s family announced that the Revenge of the Nerds actor died after grappling with bipolar disorder throughout his life, Duff shared a sweet tribute to her costar.
“This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend,” Duff, 38, wrote early Tuesday on Instagram. “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.”
Walt Disney Enterprises / Courtesy Everett Collection
Speaking of Carradine’s mental health, Duff added that she’s “deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering” from bipolar disorder.
“My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him,” Duff finished, additionally sharing photos of herself with Carradine on set.
Thomas, 36, who played Carradine’s youngest child and Duff’s little brother on the Disney Channel sitcom, also shared his condolences on social media.
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The former child star said that his “heart hurts today” learning of Carradine’s death, and that he “was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life” after meeting him on the set of Lizzie McGuire.
“He was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” Thomas added. “He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between.”
Walt Disney Enterprises / Courtesy Everett Collection
Thomas finished his statement by telling his followers that he “looked up to” Carradine while growing up, “And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes.”
Actress Lalaine, who played Duff’s best friend, Miranda, on the series, additionally paid tribute to Carradine in an Instagram post on her private account, writing “It’s really not fair. I’m f—-d up atm.. I am thankful tho. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby,” per Deadline.
Duff, Thomas, and Lalaine worked with Carradine across two seasons of Lizzie McGuire, from 2001 to 2004. The group also teamed up to make the jump to the big screen in 2003’s The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which saw them all reprise their roles in the popular film.
Bobby Bank/WireImage
Carradine’s family announced his death in a statement to Deadline on Monday, writing, “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 statement continued.
Carradine came from a long line of working actors, including brothers Keith Carradine and the late Kill Bill star David Carradine, as well his father, actor John Carradine. His niece is Martha Plimpton and his daughter is The Handmaid’s Tale star Ever Carradine.
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