Hilary Duff took to her Instagram in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 24, to share a heartfelt reaction to the sudden death of Robert Carradine, who played her dad on the Disney Channel hit show “Lizzie Maguire.”
Deadline reported on February 23 that Carradine, who was also known for acting in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “The Long Riders,” died by suicide. He was 71.
Duff wrote alongside a pair of photos from their on-air days, “This one hurts. 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.”
Jake Thomas, Who Played Lizzie McGuire’s Brother Matt, Reacts to Robert Carradine’s Passing
Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie McGuire’s mischievous little brother Matt, also took to Instagram to react to the news. He wrote, “My heart hurts today. I was fortunate enough 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.”
The 36-year-old went on, “He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between. I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes.”
Thomas finished his message by sending love to Carradine’s children. He wrote, “My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you.” The actor signed his tribute with the nickname “Jaker.”
Robert Carradine’s Brother Detailed His Mental Health Struggles
GettyCarradine’s older brother Keith said the actor went through a “valiant struggle” with Bipolar Disorder, according to Deadline. The outlet says Keith shared, “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
Fact checked it was his brother who passed away by suicide not Robert, his brother who had starred in king fu the legend continues was the one who had passed… Get your journalism right!