As Robert Carradine‘s loved ones and fans mourn the actor’s death at age 71, his Lizzie McGuire family is paying tribute.
Following his family’s announcement that Carradine died by suicide after a 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder, the cast of the Disney Channel series reacted to the news and reminisced about his “constant fatherly like support” on the set of the show, in which he played Lizzie’s dad Sam.
Hilary Duff, who starred as the titular tween, wrote on Instagram, “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.”
“My heart hurts today,” wrote Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Matt. “I was fortunate 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.
“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.”
Thomas continued, “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. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you. – ‘Jaker’”
Lalaine, who played Lizzie’s best friend Miranda Sanchez, wrote in a post, “It’s really not fair. I’m fu*ked up atm.. I am thankful tho. Thankful I had time with you, thankful for our last conversation, and your constant fatherly like support. I love you Bobby.”
Carradine starred on Lizzie McGuire for the show’s two-season run from 2001 to 2004, also appearing in the 2003 theatrically-released film. He reprised the role in an axed Disney+ revival series that filmed two episodes before the plug was pulled.
