What Happened
Hilary Duff has paid tribute to her former Lizzie McGuire co-star Robert Carradine, who has died at the age of 71. Carradine, known for his role as Sam McGuire, Duff’s father on the popular Disney Channel series, reportedly died by suicide after a long battle with bipolar disorder, as confirmed by his family.
Why It Matters
The Carradine family expressed their hope that his passing will raise awareness about mental health issues and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. In a statement, they described Carradine as a “beacon of light” and emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges.
Duff shared her heartfelt condolences on Instagram, stating, “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.” Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Matt, also honored Carradine, recalling him as a talented and eccentric individual who was like family.
What’s Next
Robert Carradine was set to reprise his role in a proposed revival of Lizzie McGuire before the project was canceled in 2020. His family has requested privacy as they grieve, while the entertainment community continues to remember his contributions to film and television.
