The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Robert Carradine, a character actor whose career spanned decades and touched multiple generations. Carradine passed away on Monday, , at the age of 71, following a long battle with bipolar disorder. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, most notably a deeply personal remembrance from his niece, actress Martha Plimpton.
Plimpton, best known for her roles in The Goonies and Lizzie McGuire, shared a heartfelt tribute to her uncle via Instagram on . Her post offered a glimpse into a cherished familial bond, recalling childhood memories of visits to Los Angeles and the comforting presence Carradine provided. “My Uncle Bobby was the best one of all 8 brothers; blood, adopted, and step,” she wrote, emphasizing his unique place within the large Carradine acting family, which includes her father, Keith Carradine, and brother David Carradine.
Plimpton’s recollection focused on the small, intimate moments that defined their relationship. She described how Carradine playfully teased her New York accent during her early visits to California, a gesture she “adored.” This anecdote speaks to a warmth and acceptance that clearly characterized Carradine’s personality. Beyond the familial connection, Plimpton unequivocally declared him “the best actor of the bunch,” citing his performances in films like The Cowboys, The Big Red One, and Coming Home as evidence of his talent. “Don’t believe me? Just watch him,” she urged, a testament to her unwavering belief in his abilities.
Carradine’s career, while not always in the spotlight, was consistently marked by solid performances in a diverse range of projects. He followed in the footsteps of his father, John Carradine, establishing himself as a reliable presence in both film and television. His role as Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s father in the Disney Channel hit Lizzie McGuire, introduced him to a new generation of fans. The cast of Lizzie McGuire has also joined in the tributes following his passing.
Plimpton’s tribute extended beyond acknowledging his talent, highlighting his inherent kindness and non-judgmental nature. “Because he was KIND,” she wrote. “He had inherent KINDNESS in him. He was dear, and loving, and nonjudgmental.” This emphasis on his character offers a poignant counterpoint to the often-glamorous and competitive world of Hollywood, suggesting a man who remained grounded and compassionate despite his profession.
The Carradine family confirmed Robert’s death in a statement to Deadline, acknowledging his “valiant struggle” with bipolar disorder. The statement expressed a desire to shed light on the illness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, a sentiment echoed by Keith Carradine, who spoke of celebrating his brother’s fight and acknowledging the illness without shame.
Robert Carradine’s daughter, Ever Carradine, also shared a moving tribute on Instagram, expressing her grief and celebrating her father’s loving nature. Ever, an actress herself, best known for her role in The Handmaid’s Tale, described her father as a “lover, not a fighter,” and encouraged others to share their memories of him.
The passing of Robert Carradine serves as a reminder of the human cost of mental illness and the importance of open conversation and support. Beyond the professional accolades and familial connections, the tributes from Plimpton and his daughter paint a portrait of a man defined by kindness, acceptance, and a genuine warmth that touched the lives of those around him. His legacy extends beyond his filmography, residing in the cherished memories of those who knew and loved him.
