Hilary Duff Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Dad Robert Carradine
What To Know
- Hilary Duff paid a heartfelt tribute to Robert Carradine, who played her onscreen father in Lizzie McGuire, following his death at age 71.
- Carradine’s family confirmed his passing and highlighted his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder, hoping to raise awareness about mental health stigma.
- Lizzie McGuire, which aired from 2001 to 2004 and is now streaming on Disney+, featured Carradine as Sam McGuire alongside Duff, Thomas, Hallie Todd, Adam Lamberg, and Lalaine.
Hilary Duff shared a heartbreaking tribute to her Lizzie McGuire costar and onscreen dad, Robert Carradine, in the wake of his death by suicide.
On February 23, Carradine’s family confirmed that the actor — who played Duff’s father, Sam McGuire, in the Disney Channel series — died at 71.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” they shared in a statement to Deadline. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.”
Additionally, the statement mentioned Carradine’s “valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.” It concluded, “We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”
In the wake of the news, Duff, 38, took to Instagram to mourn the unexpected loss.
“This one hurts,” the actress captioned her update. “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.”
She added, “I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him , his family, and everyone who loved him. 💔.”
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In the comments, Duff’s followers joined her in mourning Carradine’s unexpected death. Rita Wilson wrote, “So sorry. Bobby and I were buddies in high school. Such a lovely guy.”
Another Instagram user shared, “Dam! It honestly felt like a genuine family watching the show. Sorry for your loss! RIP! 🙏.”
Someone else echoed, “So sad!! R.I.P. Icon 🙏🏻✨🩵.”
A different follower commented, “You’re kidding 😢😭 the father we all grew up with 😩.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user wrote, “My father figure. 💔 I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️ This is heartbreaking.”
Jake Thomas, 36, who played Lizzie’s brother and Sam’s son, Matt, also took to Instagram with a tribute to Carradine.
Lizzie McGuire aired for two seasons between 2001 and 2004. In addition to Carradine, Duff, and Thomas, the series starred Hallie Todd as Lizzie’s mother, Jo, Adam Lamberg as her friend, Gordo, and Lalaine as her friend, Miranda Sanchez.
Lizzie McGuire, streaming on Disney+
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.