The entertainment world is in mourning following the news that veteran actor Robert Carradine has passed away at the age of 71. Known for his iconic roles across decades of film and television, Robert's death was confirmed by his family on February 23. In a heartbreaking revelation, his family shared that Robert took his own life after a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. In a statement released to the media, the Carradine family expressed their grief while choosing to speak openly about the mental health challenges Robert faced. The statement read, "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. 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." The family mentioned that by sharing the circumstances of his passing, they hope to help others. "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." Robert's older brother and fellow actor Keith Carradine, also spoke on the importance of transparency about mental health. He said, "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. 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." Robert Carradine was part of a legendary Hollywood dynasty, the son of John Carradine and brother to Keith and the late David Carradine. His career spanned over 60 years and included more than 150 films. He first rose to prominence in the 1970s with roles in The Cowboys and The Long Riders. However, he became a household name in the 1980s as Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds franchise. Later in his career, he reached a new generation of fans playing Sam McGuire, the kind-hearted father on the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire. He is survived by his children, including actress Ever Carradine, and his grandchildren.

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