Robert Carradine Dies by Suicide at 71

Robert Carradine, the actor best known for his roles in the "Revenge of the Nerds" film series and as the father in Disney's "Lizzie McGuire," died on Monday at age 71. His family said he took his own life after a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder.

In a statement released to media outlets, Carradine's family expressed profound sadness over the loss of their "beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother." They described him as "a beacon of light to everyone around him" in a world that can feel dark and praised his "valiant struggle" against the illness. The family hopes his experience will encourage efforts to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues and requested privacy as they grieve.

His older brother, fellow actor Keith Carradine, echoed those sentiments, calling Robert the "bedrock" of their family. "There is no shame in it," Keith said of the bipolar disorder that "got the best of him." He remembered Robert as "profoundly gifted, funny, wise and accepting," adding that the family would celebrate both his life and his strength in battling the condition for so many years. "We will take solace in how funny he could be," Keith said.