Los Angeles, CA — Hilary Duff, the American actress, singer, and entertainer who became a household name in the early 2000s as the lead in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.
Has shared a deeply felt and widely‑reported tribute following the death of her former co‑star Robert Carradine, the veteran actor best known for portraying her on‑screen father, Sam McGuire.
Carradine died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71, and his passing has generated an outpouring of heartfelt responses from family, friends, former cast members, and fans around the world.
Carradine’s death, confirmed by his family in a public statement, has not only highlighted the extensive breadth of his career — spanning more than five decades in film and television — but has also sparked candid conversation about mental health that has resonated well beyond the entertainment industry.
A Storied Career on Screen and Beyond
Robert Carradine was born on March 24, 1954, into one of Hollywood’s most enduring acting families — the Carradines.
His father was legendary character actor John Carradine, and his brothers included actors David, Keith, and Christopher Carradine, among others who also pursued careers in entertainment.
Carradine’s screen career began in the early 1970s. He made his film debut in the Western The Cowboys (1972), starring alongside Hollywood icon John Wayne.
Over subsequent decades, he built a reputation as a versatile actor, moving seamlessly between genres and styles.
In addition to comedies, Carradine appeared in acclaimed films such as Coming Home (1978), which won multiple Academy Awards, and maintained a steady presence on television, guest‑starring on series and eventually earning widespread affection for his work on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004.
On Lizzie McGuire — which also spawned a 2003 feature film — Carradine’s portrayal of Sam McGuire, the caring and good‑hearted father of Duff’s title character, became a defining role that introduced him to a new generation of audiences.
Duff’s on‑screen chemistry with Carradine helped make the McGuire family dynamic relatable and beloved by millions of viewers who grew up with the series.
Beyond acting, Carradine also explored other creative avenues. He engaged in music, directing, and producing throughout his career, showcasing a range of artistic talents that endeared him to collaborators and colleagues across the industry.
Hilary Duff’s Personal Tribute: “This One Hurts”
In a widely shared Instagram post shortly after news of Carradine’s death, Hilary Duff paid tribute to the man she knew both personally and professionally.
Duff wrote simply, “This one hurts,” describing the difficulty of losing someone who was “not only a co‑star but an old friend.”
She added that she was “deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering,” extending her condolences to Carradine’s family and loved ones, and emphasizing that she would be “forever grateful” for their time working together.
Duff’s tribute — heartfelt, sincere, and unguarded — resonated with fans and fellow actors alike, capturing both a sense of nostalgic appreciation for Lizzie McGuire and the personal bonds that developed behind the scenes.
Co‑Stars and Colleagues Remember Carradine
Former Lizzie McGuire co‑stars also shared moving reflections on Carradine’s life and influence:
- Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s younger brother Matt McGuire, described Carradine as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet,” calling him funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, and always “family” — someone he was fortunate to know for much of his life.
- Lalaine, who portrayed Miranda Sanchez, Lizzie’s best friend, shared her own tribute, emphasizing Carradine’s “fatherly‑like support” and the deep appreciation she feels for having had him in her life.
These memories portray Carradine not just as a talented actor, but as a supportive and encouraging presence who left a lasting impression on those he worked with.
Family Statements and Legacy
In the official family statement announcing Carradine’s passing, his loved ones described him as “a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother,” and spoke openly about his nearly two‑decade battle with bipolar disorder.
They highlighted both the sorrow of his loss and their hope that sharing the reality of his struggle might encourage more open dialogue about mental health and help reduce related stigma.
Carradine’s family requested privacy to grieve while also expressing gratitude for the public’s compassion and understanding during this difficult time.
Their statement emphasized his role as a “beacon of light” to those around him — a testament to the warmth and generosity he brought to his relationships.
Among his children, actress Ever Carradine shared a profoundly moving tribute online. She wrote about how deeply loved she felt by her father and how his unwavering support shaped her life.
Ever described him as a man who “never missed an opportunity” to show love — whether driving her to places like the airport or cheering her on at Little League games — and explained that his influence was something she felt “deep in my bones.”
Gift baskets
Other family members, including his niece Martha Plimpton, also honored Carradine’s memory, describing him as generous, tender, and inherently kind — qualities that endeared him not only to family but to those fortunate enough to know him personally.
Mental Health, Awareness, and Impact
Carradine’s passing has intensified discussion about mental health struggles and the importance of compassionate understanding for those living with conditions like bipolar disorder.
His family’s candid acknowledgment of his long battle with mental illness — and their desire to reduce stigma by speaking openly about it — has prompted many observers to reflect on how mental health challenges are discussed publicly and privately.
In sharing the truth of his personal journey, Carradine’s family has encouraged fans, friends, and the broader community to approach conversations about mental illness with empathy, support, and an awareness that underlying conditions can affect even those who appear successful and outwardly joyful.
Response from Fans and the Entertainment Community
The news of Carradine’s death sparked widespread reactions across social media and news outlets. Fans — many of whom grew up watching Lizzie McGuire in the early 2000s — shared nostalgic recollections of how his portrayal of Sam McGuire made the character feel both authentic and approachable.
Many noted that his presence helped shape the tone of the series and left a lasting emotional connection for a generation of viewers.
Public figures outside the Lizzie McGuire cast also paid tribute to Carradine, praising his decades‑long contributions to film and television and recalling the moments of inspiration and friendship they shared.
These reflections attest to the broad influence Carradine had — not only through his memorable roles but through his relationships and professionalism throughout his lengthy career.
Remembering a Multifaceted Legacy
Robert Carradine’s death marks the end of a remarkable artistic journey that spanned generations of film and television.
From his early days in critically acclaimed movies, to his cult classic status in Revenge of the Nerds, to his enduring legacy as a beloved television father figure, Carradine’s contributions to entertainment were deep and multifaceted.
Whether remembered for his memorable performances, his creative work behind the camera, or his kindness and humor off‑screen, Carradine leaves behind a legacy that transcends a single role or era.
His ability to connect with audiences — and to influence those he worked with — speaks to the enduring impact of both his talent and his humanity.
For Hilary Duff, whose career began on Lizzie McGuire and who shared formative years with Carradine on set, the loss is deeply personal.
Her simple yet powerful sentiment — “I’ll be forever grateful” — reflects not only the loss of a cherished colleague but the profound influence he had on her life and those of many others.