The Lizzie McGuire family is paying tribute to one of their own: Robert Carradine.
The actor, best known for playing Lizzie’s 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.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” Carradine’s family told Deadline. “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.”
Carradine’s brother, Keith Carradine, said, referring to the late actor’s battle with bipolar disorder, “We 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,” Keith added. 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.”
The stars of Lizzie McGuire have been sharing their emotional tributes to the former McGuire patriarch, including lead actress Hilary Duff.
Scroll down to read how Duff and her costars are remembering Carradine:
Hallie Todd
Hallie Todd, who played Carradine’s onscreen wife, Jo McGuire, broke her silence on the actor’s death via Instagram.
“My heart is broken. I’m going to miss my sweet buddy so much,” Todd, 64, captioned a photo of herself with Carradine. “He was a generous and loyal friend. He was brave, strong, kind and had a wicked sense of humor. He was a champion for the people he loved and always wanted the best for us. He was a wonderful actor, a brilliant guitar player, and the most incredible and devoted father.”
She added, “Over the last 25 years, our families grew extremely close, celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings together. My friendship with Bobby and his family is probably my most treasured personal gift from working on Lizzie McGuire. He was my family on screen and off. My heart, love, strength and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate through this enormous loss.”
Hilary Duff
“This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend,” Lizzie actress Duff, 38, shared via Instagram alongside two throwback photos of her and Carradine during their Lizzie McGuire days. “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. 💔”
Jake Thomas
Thomas, 36, who played Lizzie’s brother, Matt, shared a picture of the pair on the Lizzie McGuire set via Instagram and wrote, “My heart hurts today.”
“I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” Thomas continued.
“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,” he added.
“I looked up to him 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,” Thomas went on. “My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you. -’Jaker.’”
Lalaine
“It’s really not fair. I’m f***ed up atm.. I am thankful tho,” Lalaine, who played Lizzie’s best friend Miranda shared via Instagram, per Deadline. “Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.”
