{"id":2297554,"date":"2026-02-24T15:11:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2297554"},"modified":"2026-02-24T15:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:11:22","slug":"lizzie-mcguire-star-on-how-often-he-spoke-to-robert-carradine-before-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/lizzie-mcguire-star-on-how-often-he-spoke-to-robert-carradine-before-death\/","title":{"rendered":"Lizzie McGuire Star on How Often He Spoke to Robert Carradine Before Death"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Lizzie McGuire<\/em><\/a>\u2018s Jake Thomas<\/strong> offered insight into his bond with Robert Carradine<\/strong> before his onscreen dad\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

During Us Weekly<\/em>\u2018s retrospective in honor of Lizzie McGuire<\/em>\u2018s 25-year anniversary<\/a> in January, Thomas, 36, opened up about how he has stayed in touch with Carradine and Hallie Todd, who played his mom, saying, \u201cThey have always been and will continue to be like an aunt and uncle to me. Every time my parents are in town visiting \u2014 which they will be for Thanksgiving [this year] \u2014 my dad goes and grabs a beer and watches a football game with Bobby down at the bar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas, who played Matt, noted that he sees most of the cast \u201cfrom time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re basically like family at this point from going through an experience like that,\u201d he told Us<\/em>. \u201cIt was so influential in my life and in everybody else\u2019s lives too. It makes us \u2014 in a way \u2014 a family that can never be separated. I like seeing everybody every once in a while, [but] everybody\u2019s just doing so many different things, which is cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>‘Lizzie McGuire’ Cast React to Robert Carradine’s Death at Age 71<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tThe Lizzie McGuire family is paying tribute to one of their own: Robert Carradine. The actor, best known for playing Lizzie\u2019s dad Sam McGuire in the hit Disney Channel sitcom, died at age 71 following a battle with bipolar disorder, his family said in a statement on Monday, February 23. \u201cIt is with profound sadness [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Lizzie McGuire<\/em>, which aired from 2001 to 2004, introduced Hilary Duff<\/strong> in the role<\/a> of 13-year-old Lizzie McGuire as she attempted to navigate the personal and social issues of being a teenager. It quickly developed a cult fan base that clung to the show\u2019s genuine storytelling, fun comedic moments and meaningful lessons about growing up.<\/p>\n

Disney+ previously attempted a revival of the beloved show, but creative differences behind the scenes<\/a> led to it being canceled before a single episode was released. Carradine was one of the cast members expected to make an appearance in the short-lived project.<\/p>\n

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News broke on Monday, February 23, that Carradine died at age 71<\/a> following a battle with bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,\u201d read a statement released by Carradine\u2019s family. \u201cIn a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carradine\u2019s loved ones stood by the choice to make the actor\u2019s mental health struggles public, adding, \u201cWe are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>\u2018Lizzie McGuire\u2019 Cast: Where Are They Now?<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tHilary Duff\u2019s breakout role on\u00a0Lizzie McGuire\u00a0yielded years of success for the actress that continues today, while her costars chose slightly different paths. The sitcom \u2014 starring Duff (Lizzie McGuire), Lalaine (Miranda Sanchez), Adam Lamberg (Gordo), Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire), Hallie Todd (Jo McGuire) and Robert Carradine (Sam McGuire) \u2014 aired from 2001 to 2004 and [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The statement continued: \u201cWe want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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