Hilary Duff Leads Emotional Tributes to Lizzie McGuire Star Robert Carradine
Hilary Duff has publicly expressed her grief following the tragic death of her former on-screen father, Robert Carradine, who passed away at the age of 71. The beloved actor, known for his role as Sam McGuire in the hit Disney series Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004, died after a nearly two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder.
Heartfelt Statements from the Cast
In an emotional Instagram post, Hilary Duff, now 38, shared vintage photos of herself smiling with Carradine and wrote, "This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend." She reflected on the warmth of the McGuire family set, stating, "I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that." Duff also expressed deep sadness upon learning of Carradine's suffering, extending her condolences to his family and loved ones.
Jake Thomas, who played Hilary's on-screen brother Matt, also paid tribute, describing Carradine as "the heart of our childhood afternoons" and a cool, funny, and eccentric figure. He added, "My heart hurts today. I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life." Lalaine, who portrayed Lizzie's best friend Miranda Sanchez, shared her own heartfelt message, writing, "I'm thankful I had time with you, and your constant fatherly like support."
Family's Statement on Mental Health
On February 23, 2026, Robert Carradine's family released a statement confirming his death and addressing the circumstances to help reduce the stigma around mental health issues. The statement read, "We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder." They emphasized his role as a beacon of light and called for greater awareness and compassion.
Carradine's daughter, Ever, followed with a poignant open letter, reminiscing about her "sweet, funny dad" who made her feel "loved to the bones." She encouraged others to "open our hearts and feel and share the love," honoring his legacy as a loving and kind individual.
Impact on the Entertainment Community
The tributes highlight the significant impact Robert Carradine had on his co-stars and fans during his time on Lizzie McGuire. His death has sparked conversations about mental health, with many expressing support for ending the stigma associated with such conditions. The cast's shared memories underscore the close-knit bond formed on set, which continues to resonate years after the show ended.
