Hilary Duff Remembers Lizzie McGuire Co-Star Robert Carradine

In a statement issued on Monday night, Robert’s family confirmed that he had taken his own life, following what they described as a “nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder”.

Hilary Duff, who played Robert’s on-screen daughter in the Disney show between 2001 and 2004, shared a tribute to her former co-star shortly after the announcement.

“This one hurts,” Hilary wrote on Instagram. “It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. 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,” she added, alongside a broken-hearted emoji.

Meanwhile, Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s little brother Matt, wrote on his Instagram: “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. He was a talented actor, musician and director. But more than anything, he was family.

“I have many fond memories of being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments and lots of laughs in between.”

He continued: “I looked up to him growing up. And later, I came to realise he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right.”

Alongside playing Sam McGuire, Robert appeared in the 1984 cult classic Revenge Of The Nerds, as well as Escape From LA, The Long Riders and Django Unchained.

His most recent on-screen credit was in the 2024 Western thriller The Night They Came Home, although the actor has three films currently in production, which are set to be released posthumously.

Per Deadline, Robert is survived by “his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews and anyone who had the honour of having him in their life”.

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
• CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.