The entertainment world is in mourning as it bids farewell to Robert Carradine, the beloved actor renowned for his memorable roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire. Carradine passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 71.

His family has confirmed that Carradine died by suicide after a prolonged battle with bipolar disorder, a struggle he faced for nearly two decades. This tragic news has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. Beyond his celebrated performances, Carradine is remembered for his personal journey, marked by a significant marriage, three children, and his connection to a legendary Hollywood lineage.

Who Was Robert Carradine?

Robert Carradine, an acclaimed American actor, enjoyed a career spanning over five decades. He made his film debut alongside John Wayne in The Cowboys (1972). Carradine became an iconic figure through his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the Revenge of the Nerds series and later captured the hearts of a younger audience as Sam McGuire, the loving father on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire.

He was not only a comedic talent but also shone in dramatic roles, featuring in films like The Big Red One and Coming Home, which showcased his versatility as an actor. As the youngest son of the legendary actor John Carradine, he was part of a family deeply rooted in American film history, cementing his legacy.

Was Robert Carradine Married?

Robert Carradine was married to Edith “Edie” Mani for 25 years, from 1990 until their divorce in 2018. Their marriage faced numerous challenges, particularly after a harrowing incident in 2015 when Carradine crashed their car into an oncoming semi-truck in Colorado. He later attributed the crash to a severe psychotic episode caused by missing his bipolar medication.

Court documents revealed that Edie claimed Carradine had confessed to attempting to “kill us both,” underscoring the impact of mental health struggles on their marriage. Before his marriage to Edie, Carradine had a daughter named Ever with horse trainer Susan Snyder.

How Many Children Did Robert Carradine Have?

Robert Carradine is survived by three children: daughters Ever Carradine and Marika Reed Carradine, and son Ian Alexander Carradine. Ever, the eldest at 51, is from his relationship with Susan Snyder and has made a name for herself in acting, featuring in shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Commander in Chief.

Marika and Ian, both in their early to mid-30s, are the children from his marriage with Edie Mani and have mostly stayed away from the Hollywood limelight. Ever honored her father with a heartfelt tribute, remembering him as a single dad who was always her “partner.”

The Legendary Carradine Bloodline

The name Carradine is emblematic of one of the pioneering families in Hollywood acting, a legacy built on extraordinary talent and undeniable screen charisma. John Carradine, the patriarch with over 350 credits in film and television, set the benchmark as a much-respected character actor in classics like The Grapes of Wrath and numerous horror films.

His sons David (Kung Fu), Keith (Nashville), and Robert each achieved their own recognition while contributing to the family’s extensive legacy. This lineage continues through the next generation with actress Martha Plimpton, Keith’s daughter, and Ever Carradine, demonstrating the family’s enduring talent in acting.

Robert Carradine’s Famous Siblings and Family Members

Robert was part of an exceptionally gifted family, including his half-brother David Carradine, whose death in 2009 had a profound impact on Robert and intensified his mental health challenges. His brother Keith Carradine, who acknowledged Robert’s passing, is an Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actor and composer.

The family also includes actor Michael Bowen, Robert’s maternal half-brother, along with niece Martha Plimpton, who fondly referred to Robert as “everyone’s favorite uncle” and “the absolute best” of the brothers. His daughter Ever continues the family’s legacy, ensuring that the Carradine name lives on.

Robert Carradine’s Early Life and Family Background

Born into the entertainment world on March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, Robert was the youngest son of John Carradine and Sonia Sorel, his second wife. Growing up surrounded by his father’s illustrious career, Robert initially aspired to be a race car driver rather than an actor.

It was his brother David who encouraged him to audition for The Cowboys, suggesting he had “everything to gain, and nothing to lose.” That push initiated a career that would see him collaborate with renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, Hal Ashby, and Quentin Tarantino, confirming that talent indeed ran in his family.