Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his role in Disney’s television series Lizzie McGuire, has died by suicide at the age of 71 on February 23.

In a statement released to the press, his family said: “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Robert Carradine, has passed away. In a world that could sometimes feel dark, Bobby was always a light to those around him.” The family also spoke about his nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder, expressing hope that his story might help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Robert Carradine came from a renowned acting family. He was the younger brother of Kill Bill star David Carradine and the son of veteran actor John Carradine. In 2009, David Carradine died suddenly at the age of 72 following a personal accident while filming in Thailand.

Carradine began his acting career in 1971 with a guest appearance on the television series Bonanza. A year later, he appeared in the Western film The Cowboys starring John Wayne, and went on to work steadily in film and television adaptations. During the 1970s, he appeared in the Oscar-winning Coming Home and *Mean Streets by director Martin Scorsese. By 1980, with nearly 20 roles to his name, Carradine starred alongside his brothers in The Long Riders and the war film The Big Red One.

The biggest turning point of his career came in 1984, when he played Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds and its sequels. His portrayal of the underdog but brilliant “nerd” became an enduring icon of American pop culture.

In 2001, Carradine took on the role of the warm and humorous father Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, starring opposite Hilary Duff. He reprised the role in the 2003 film adaptation and again for the 2020 reboot project. His television credits also included ER, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, NYPD Blue, and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.

Over the course of his career, Carradine appeared in more than 140 roles, most recently in the independent film Skate to Hell. According to his official obituary, he was also passionate about music and speed. Though never formally trained, he played guitar and performed at the Sheridan Opera House with two of his brothers. He was an avid motorsports enthusiast as well, calling racing his true love and competing in Grand Prix events in the late 1980s and 1990s.

In 2015, Carradine and his then-wife Edith Mani survived a head-on car collision in Colorado. Local authorities said their use of seat belts likely saved their lives.

Robert Carradine was married to Edith Mani from 1990 to 2015, and the couple had two children, Marika and Ian. He also had a daughter, Ever Carradine, from a previous relationship with Susan Snyder.

Following her father’s death, Ever Carradine shared a series of old and recent photos on Instagram, describing him as “sweet, funny,” and her greatest source of strength. She said she was raised by him as a single father and was always proud of the stability he provided. “Whenever anyone asks me why I turned out so normal, I always say it’s because of my dad,” she wrote.

Hilary Duff, who played his on-screen daughter in Lizzie McGuire, also expressed her grief: “This truly makes my heart ache. The McGuire family was always so full of warmth, and I always felt deeply loved by my TV parents. I will forever be grateful for that.”

Actor Jake Thomas, who portrayed Matt McGuire, wrote: “My heart is broken today. Bobby was one of the coolest people I’ve ever known—funny, grounded, sometimes grumpy, and always a little different. He was a talented actor, musician, and director. Above all, he was family to us.”