Warning: This story mentions suicide.

Robert Carradine is the youngest of a prolific Hollywood actor brother known for hit films such as the 1984 film. Otaku’s Revenge and disney channel lizzie mcguire He died at the age of 71.

In a statement to the press on Tuesday, the LA-born actor’s family said he lived with bipolar disorder for 20 years and died by suicide.

“We want people to know this: There’s no shame in it,” said Brother Keith Carradine. deadline.

“This disease was the one that took the most out of him and I want to celebrate his fight against it and honor his beautiful soul. He was deeply gifted and we will miss him every day.”

Robert is known for his work in film and television, having worked in the industry for over 40 years. Although he collaborated with some of the most respected directors of the time, he never achieved the same international recognition as his more famous brother Keith (father of actor Martha Plimpton) or half-brother actor David Carradine. People who died in 2009.

Carradine’s first phone call

Robert, a Los Angeles native and the son of character actor John Carradine, was introduced to viewers with his role in the television series bonanza John Wayne Western in 1971 cowboys In 1972.

Despite his family background, acting was not his first calling.

“I always had a passion to be a race car driver and that’s what I thought I was going to do. I think at the penultimate moment I was sitting with my brother David.” cowboys ‘When they were casting, they were interested in David as the villain, and he didn’t want to be the guy who shot John Wayne in the back,” Carradine recalled in a 2013 interview with Popdose magazine.

“But he said, ‘You know, that’s what it’s called.’ cowboysand they’re meeting all these young people. Would you like to come in? ”

In addition to starring in a short-lived television spin-off, cowboys Appeared on the hit ABC series with his brother David. kung fuRobert would later land a role in a film directed by Martin Scorsese. mean streetHal Ashby’s Vietnamese drama go home Samuel Fuller’s World War II movies big red one.

Although Robert never reached the height of his brother David’s success, the two were often seen in the same projects, including films with Walter Hill. Long Rider and Paul Bartel’s cannonball.

Robert’s biggest hit was in 1984, an off-color comedy. Revenge of the Otaku. He played the geeky Louis Skolnick with a sudden, infectious, throaty laugh.

He reprized the role in a big screen sequel and two made-for-television sequels, and continued to pay homage to the beloved character in guest roles on the series. robot chicken And as a co-sponsor ( Otaku’s Revenge co-star Curtis Armstrong) of the pop culture competition show. king of otakuwhich aired for three seasons.

In the 2000s, he found success on the small screen on the Disney Channel. lizzie mcguire as the father of the character of the same name.

Hilary Duff, who plays Lizzie McGuire, posted on Instagram: “It’s really hard to face the reality of an old friend.” “There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt cared for by my on-screen parents. I will be forever grateful for that. I am so saddened to know that Bobby was suffering.”

For Robert, the work was consistent, even if the prestige or quality of the projects declined. Then Quentin Tarantino, a champion of the fading individual actor, cast Carradine. django unchained Robert told Popdose that he starred in the 2012 film as one of the trackers who saw a photo of him looking “very furry.”

In 2015, he and his wife Edith were accused of causing injuries in a crash in Colorado. The couple later divorced after more than 25 years of marriage.

His survivors include actor Ever Carradine, three children, Marika Reid Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine.

“When people ask me how I became so normal, I always say it’s because of my dad. I knew he loved me, I knew deep down inside of me, and I always knew he had my back,” daughter Ever wrote on Instagram. “I think it’s also because we basically grew up together. The 20-year age difference is actually not that big. I never thought of him as a brother, but I always thought of him as my partner. We lived together.”

If you or someone you know is in trouble, seek help here.

The Canadian Suicide Prevention Association says if you’re concerned that someone you know is at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it. Below are some warning signs.

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance use.
• A lack of purpose.
• anxiety.
• I feel trapped.
• Despair and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.