The death of “Lizzie McGuire” star Robert Carradine was the culmination of a longtime battle with mental illness, according to the actor’s family.
Carradine, best known for his roles in the Disney Channel sitcom and comedy classic “Revenge of the Nerds,” died by suicide at age 71, Carradine’s brother, “Nashville” actor Keith Carradine, confirmed to USA TODAY in a Feb. 24 statement.
“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,” Keith Carradine said. “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
Robert Carradine attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Sentimental Value” at DGA Theater Complex on Nov. 5, 2025.
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels and concentration.
An estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience it at some time in their lives, per NIMH, totaling about 11.3 million people.
Over the years, several celebrities have spoken out about their experience with bipolar disorder, from “Star Wars” actress Carrie Fisher and rapper Kanye “Ye” West to Disney Channel alum Selena Gomez and pop singer Halsey.
Robert Carradine dies: ‘Lizzie McGuire’ and ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ star was 71
There are three types of bipolar disorder – Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder and Cyclothymic disorder – with each condition ranging in its symptoms.
Bipolar I is defined by manic episodes that last at least one week. Manic episodes are described as prolonged periods of mood instability, in which a person can experience extreme increases in energy or euphoria, or alternatively, feel depressed or unusually irritable.
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As for what causes the mental health condition, bipolar disorder appears to be the byproduct of “both genetic and environmental factors,” Robert Beech, a psychiatrist at Yale School of Medicine, previously told USA TODAY.
On the genetic side, there may be chemical imbalances in the brain or a family history of the illness that contribute to the disorder’s onset. Environmental factors can include childhood trauma, substance abuse, chronic stress and changes in the climate.
Experts say if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms potentially related to bipolar disorder, consult a mental health professional. There are various therapies, mood-stabilizing medications and strategies that are known to be helpful.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Robert Carradine cause of death – Actor battled bipolar disorder
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