Robert Carradine, 'Revenge of the Nerds' and 'Lizzie McGuire' actor, dies at 71

LOS ANGELES -- Robert Carradine, the actor known for his roles in "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Lizzie McGuire," has died at the age of 71.

In a Tuesday statement, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades and died by suicide.

"We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness," the Carradine family said.

Robert belonged to the famed Carradine acting family. He was the son of actor John Carradine and a brother of actors David Carradine, Keith Carradine and Christopher Carradine, a former vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Carradine's daughter, actress Ever Carradine, paid tribute to her father in a post on Instagram.

"My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love," she wrote.

For younger generations, Carradine is known for playing Hilary Duff's father on "Lizzie McGuire."

"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," Duff wrote on Instagram. "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."

Carradine had a long career in television and film. He played Lewis in the long-running "Revenge of the Nerds" movie franchise, and also appeared in the Oscar-winning film "Coming Home" in 1978.

The actor made his film debut in 1972 in "The Cowboys" with John Wayne.

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three-digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.