Robert Carradine’s concerning behavior on final film project revealed days before actor’s tragic death at 71

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Actor Robert Carradine reportedly disappeared from his last movie project shortly before he passed away at age 71.

Actor David Carradine, from the well-known Carradine acting family alongside his brother Keith and late half-brother David, passed away on Monday, his family announced in a statement to Deadline.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve often spoken about the importance of mental wellbeing, and it’s heartbreaking to discuss David Carradine. For twenty years, he privately battled bipolar disorder, a condition he faced with courage and resilience. Sadly, despite his efforts, he ultimately succumbed to his struggles and took his own life. It’s a stark reminder that even those who seem strong can be fighting invisible battles, and that seeking help is vital.

I was so saddened to hear of David Carradine’s passing. He was a truly dedicated actor, and at the time, he was actually in the middle of filming a project called The Driver – sometimes referred to as Driving Into Darkness. It’s just heartbreaking to think about unfinished work.

Connie Lamothe, the director, recently told TMZ that Carradine stopped communicating in January, which worried the production team about his well-being.

According to Lamothe, a fellow cast member and friend of Carradine was aware of his mental health issues. They decided to give him privacy, hoping he would come back.

Carradine was cast as a mob boss in the movie, and Lamothe explained he wanted to demonstrate Carradine’s range beyond comedic and Western roles.

She said Carradine was ‘delightful and always cheerful’ when they spoke.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Carradine for comment about Lamothe’s statement.  

The family of Robert Carradine announced with deep sorrow that he has passed away, on Monday.

Everyone who knew Bobby felt like he brought light and positivity into what could often be a difficult world.

The Carradine family is deeply saddened by the loss of David, a kind and wonderful person. They recognize and acknowledge his courageous fight with Bipolar Disorder, which he battled for almost twenty years.

We hope his story will help reduce the shame and misunderstanding surrounding mental health challenges and inspire people to seek help.

We are asking for privacy as we mourn this devastating loss. We appreciate your understanding and kindness during this difficult time.

The Daily Mail contacted representatives for David Carradine’s brother, Keith, and his niece, actress Martha Plimpton, for comment.

Robert’s daughter, Ever Carradine, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram remembering her father and encouraging his fans to honor him by being kind to others.

Ever shared the news of her father’s passing, telling Robert and Susan Snyder, ‘He was a truly kind and loving person.’ She added that in a world often marked by disagreement, we could all learn from his example by opening our hearts to feel and share love.

I have so many stories and remembering things right now is overwhelming. If you see me, please ask me about my father, Bobby Carradine – he was a huge influence on my life.

Ever ended the emotional statement in saying, ‘Rest easy, dad. I love you the most.’

On Monday, Keith shared with Deadline that the family wants everyone to know Robert fought bravely against bipolar disorder for the last twenty years.

As a longtime fan, it really touched me to hear Keith talk so openly. He wants everyone to understand what happened, and he made it clear there’s absolutely no shame in it. He sees it as an illness that ultimately overwhelmed him, but he wants us to remember and celebrate not just his life, but also his incredible strength in battling it, and the beautiful person he always was.

‘He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.’

He finished by saying they would remember his brother for his humor, wisdom, and kind, accepting nature. That, he explained, was the essence of who his brother was.

Hilary Duff, who worked with David Carradine on ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ shared on Instagram Monday that she was deeply saddened by the news, calling it difficult to accept.

The McGuire family was incredibly welcoming, and I always felt loved and supported by my TV parents. I’ll always cherish that, and I’m heartbroken to hear Bobby was going through a difficult time.

Duff wrapped up in saying, ‘My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.’

Robert was born March 24, 1954 in Los Angeles into the Carradine show business family.

He came from a family of actors: his parents were John Carradine and Sonia Sorel. He had three brothers, all also actors – Keith Carradine, the late David Carradine (who passed away in June 2009 at age 72), and Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine.

David died on June 4, 2009, in a Bangkok hotel room. Investigators determined he died from asphyxiation.

Dr. Michael Baden, the medical examiner who performed an independent autopsy, stated that David’s death wasn’t due to natural causes or suicide. Based on how things were tied around his body, Dr. Baden believes it was likely an accidental death.

Robert started his acting career as a child, making his film debut in 1972 alongside John Wayne in the movie The Cowboys.

Robert acted in Martin Scorsese’s 1973 film, Main Street, and later starred alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight in the acclaimed 1978 movie, Coming Home.

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to know about his role as Lewis Skolnick in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’! It was back in 1984, and honestly, it’s iconic. He was brilliant alongside Anthony Edwards, Curtis Armstrong, and Timothy Busfield – that whole cast was just perfect. It really launched him into the spotlight, I think!

He returned to play the same characters in several follow-up movies and TV films, including ‘Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise’ (1987), ‘Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation’ (1992), and ‘Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love’ (1994).

Carradine was well-known for playing Sam McGuire in the TV series that ran from 2001 to 2004, appearing in 65 episodes. He also starred in the 2003 movie based on the same popular story, alongside Duff in the lead role.

In the 1980 film The Long Riders, Robert acted with his brothers David and Keith, alongside members of well-known acting families like the Quaids, Guests, and Keachs.

In March 2015, Robert Carradine experienced a mental health crisis that became public when his wife, Edith, reported he intentionally drove his vehicle toward a semi-truck in Colorado.

In court documents related to their divorce, Edith stated that Robert admitted to her and their children he intentionally crashed the car with the goal of killing them both.

Edith said Robert had been deeply depressed in the wake of his brother David’s death.

She asked the court to give her the 17 guns owned by Robert, because she was worried he might hurt himself.

In a 2017 court statement, Robert explained that his soon-to-be ex-wife had stopped providing his medication for bipolar disorder, which significantly affected his mental state leading up to the incident.

Many fans online were fondly remembering Robert, often highlighting his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire.

One X user expressed sadness over the passing of Robert Carradine at age 71, fondly remembering him as Sam McGuire. They noted that his warm portrayal of the character made the show feel comforting and familiar to a whole generation of viewers. They wished him peace.

One fan said, ‘Sad news. Loved him in Revenge of the Nerds. RIP Robert.’ 

One viewer praised Robert Carradine as a talented actor, recalling seeing the movie ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ in the early 1990s, even though it originally came out when they were a baby.

‘I also saw him in The Tommyknockers & Escape From L.A. I hope he’s at peace now.’ 

It’s so sad to hear about Robert’s passing. He’ll always be Lewis to me, and honestly, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ is a classic I still adore. It’s just… heartbreaking to think about 2026 being here without him. It really hits you, doesn’t it?

Robert is remembered by his children, Ever, Marika, and Ian, as well as his grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

If you’re struggling or know someone who is, please reach out for help. You can call or text 988 in the US anytime to connect with the confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is also available online at 988lifeline.org.

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2026-02-24 22:10