- Primary Subject: Robert Carradine
- Key Update: Hollywood mourns the death of Robert Carradine at 71, a versatile actor known for iconic roles from The Cowboys to Lizzie McGuire.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: 24 February 2026
- Quick Answer: Robert Carradine, aged 71, passed away; he starred in Revenge of the Nerds, The Cowboys, Mean Streets, Coming Home, and Disney’s Lizzie McGuire, leaving a lasting legacy.
Hollywood has lost another icon following the death of Robert Carradine, who died aged 71 after struggling with bipolar disorder.
Coming from one of Hollywood’s great acting dynasties, he proved he could carve out a name for himself over a career spanning more than 50 years.
From war dramas and rebellious ’70s cinema to iconic ’80s comedies and nostalgic family television, Carradine brought different characters to life, showcasing his versatility as an actor who could take on almost anything.
So, from fraternity nerd Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds to the beloved father in Lizzie McGuire, here are Carradine’s most memorable film and television roles.
The Cowboys
A young Carradine made his film debut in the 1972 Western The Cowboys opposite screen legend John Wayne.
Based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Dale Jennings, the film follows an aging rancher who has no choice but to hire schoolboys to help drive cattle across dangerous territory.
Despite being a newcomer, Carradine proved he could hold his own alongside Wayne and the young ensemble cast with his naturalistic acting.
The Cowboys not only became a memorable late-career project for Wayne but also marked an important starting point for Carradine’s long career in Hollywood.
Mean Streets
Carradine next appeared in the 1973 Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets.
A gritty crime drama, the film helped define the New Hollywood movement with its authentic portrayal of small-time criminals in New York City.
Featuring rising stars Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel and becoming one of the decade’s most influential films, Mean Streets gave Carradine the career exposure he needed.
Coming Home
Carradine then joined legendary stars Jane Fonda and Jon Voight in the powerful 1978 Vietnam War film Coming Home.
In this film, he proved his dramatic range as the story explored the consequences of war on soldiers and their families, including trauma, disability, and other emotional challenges.
Coming Home featured Carradine’s ability to deliver a serious, compelling performance in one of Hollywood’s most politically charged period dramas.
The Long Riders
Robert Carradine reunited with his real-life brothers, David Carradine and Keith Carradine, in Walter Hill’s 1980 biographical Western The Long Riders, which was famous for casting real-life siblings as outlaw families.
The Carradines portrayed members of the Younger gang, and the film quickly became a cult favorite, further cementing Robert’s career in Hollywood.
The Big Red One
The year 1980 was a milestone for Carradine, as he also starred in Samuel Fuller’s epic war film The Big Red One.
Starring opposite Lee Marvin, Carradine played a young soldier confronting the brutal realities of World War II.
Today, the film is widely regarded as one of the most authentic portrayals of infantry life ever captured on screen.
Revenge of the Nerds
Carradine received his career-defining breakthrough in the 1984 Jeff Kanew comedy film Revenge of the Nerds.
In the film, he played the unforgettable role of Lewis Skolnick, a socially awkward freshman who leads a group of misfits against bullying fraternity jocks.
The movie not only became a surprise box-office hit, but it also helped define the image of the “nerd” in mainstream entertainment, launching a franchise with three sequels and turning Carradine into an unlikely pop culture icon of the 1980s.
Rude Awakening
After his breakout success, Carradine took on unconventional roles, including playing the straight man to Cheech Marin’s aging hippie in the 1989 comedy Rude Awakening. In this role, he expertly balanced satire with understated humor.
Following this, Carradine appeared in genre films and thrillers, gaining a dedicated cult following through cable television and VHS releases.
Lizzie McGuire
Carradine experienced a remarkable career resurgence and renewed popularity when he took on the role of Sam McGuire in Disney Channel’s hit series Lizzie McGuire.
In this role, he was no longer the nerdy Lewis but a supportive father figure to Elizabeth (Hilary Duff), introducing him to a whole new generation of viewers.
The part showed his versatility, successfully transitioning from counterculture cinema to family-friendly entertainment.
With these movie and TV projects under his belt, Carradine proved his enduring legacy that viewers will never forget.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity news!