Robert Carradine, known for his roles in Revenge of the Nerds and Lizzie McGuire, has passed away at age 71.

Robert Carradine

Carradine died by suicide after a 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder. His family issued the following statement (via Deadline).

It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him. 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. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.

Brother Keith Carradine also said of Carradine’s disorder, “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”

Carradine portrayed Sam McGuire, Lizzie’s dad in Lizzie McGuire (2001 – 2004). He was vampire hunter Malachi Van Helsing in Disney Channel Original Movie Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000) and Max’s dad Don Keeble in Max Keeble’s Big Move (2001).

Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff 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.”

Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Max, wrote, “My heart hurts today. 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.

“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, said, “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 made his film debut in the 1972 John Wayne film The Cowboys. In 1978, he was in the Oscar-winning film Coming Home alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. He starred with his brothers David and Keith in The Long Riders (1980).

In the ’80s and ’90s, he starred in all four Revenge of the Nerds films as Lewis Skolnick. He executive produced the last two films. In 1988, he portrayed Maxwell Dweeb, a parody of his Revenge of the Nerds character, for the Disney TV special Totally Minnie. From 2013 to 2015, he co-hosted the King of the Nerds reality series with Revenge of the Nerds co-star Curtis Armstrong.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.