Hilary Duff Says Her 'Heart Aches' Over “Lizzie McGuire” Dad Robert Carradine's Death at 71
Hilary Duff Says Her 'Heart Aches' Over “Lizzie McGuire” Dad Robert Carradine's Death at 71
Brenton BlanchetTue, February 24, 2026 at 3:59 PM UTC
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Robert Carradine and Hilary Duff for 'Lizzie McGuire'
Walt Disney Enterprises / Courtesy Everett Collection
Hilary Duff is remembering her TV dad and Lizzie McGuire costar Robert Carradine
Carradine's family announced on Monday, Feb. 23, that the actor died at 71 following a "valiant struggle" with bipolar disorder
"It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend," Duff wrote in an Instagram caption
Hilary Duff is remembering her on-screen dad, Robert Carradine.
The Lizzie McGuire alum, 38, shared an emotional tribute to Instagram hours after Carradine's family announced on Monday, Feb. 23, that he died at 71 following a "valiant struggle" with bipolar disorder.
Carradine played Duff's on-screen father, Sam, in the Disney Channel series and The Lizzie McGuire Movie, from 2001 to 2004. He was also known for roles in projects including Revenge of the Nerds, The Cowboys and Escape from L.A.
"This one hurts," Duff began a caption, alongside photos featuring Carradine and their fellow Lizzie McGuire costars, Hallie Todd and Jake Thomas.
"It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend," Duff continued. "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, Hallie Todd, Robert Carradine, Hilary Duff for 'Lizzie McGuire'
Walt Disney Enterprises / Courtesy Everett Collection
Thomas, who played Carradine's TV son Matt McGuire on the series, shared his own tribute following the news, writing that he 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," Thomas, 36, wrote. "He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family."
He added, "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."
Thomas concluded his tribute by writing that his "heart is with" Carradine's family. "Rest easy, Bobby. Love you," he wrote.
Todd, 64, wrote in her own tribute that she was going to "miss my sweet buddy" and that her heart was "broken" after hearing the news of Carradine's death. She played the actor's on-screen wife, Jo McGuire, in Lizzie McGuire.
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"He was a generous and loyal friend. He was brave, strong, kind and had a wicked sense of humor. He was a champion for the people he loved and always wanted the best for us," she wrote. "He was a wonderful actor, a brilliant guitar player, and the most incredible and devoted father."
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Todd added, "Over the last 25 years, our families grew extremely close, celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings together. My friendship with Bobby and his family is probably my most treasured personal gift from working on Lizzie McGuire. He was my family on screen and off. My heart, love, strength and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate through this enormous loss."
Jake Thomas, Hilary Duff, Robert Carradine and Hallie Todd in 2001
Walt Disney Enterprises / Courtesy Everett Collection
Carradine's loved ones confirmed his death in a statement to Deadline on Monday, calling him a "beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother."
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him," 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. 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."
Robert shared daughter Ever Carradine with ex Susan Snyder, daughter Marika Reed Carradine, and son Ian Alexander Carradine with his ex-wife Edie Mani. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews.
Ever Carradine, Robert’s 51-year-old daughter and The Handmaid’s Tale star, remembered her "sweet, funny dad" in a personal tribute shared to Instagram.
“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, "Rest easy, dad. I love you the most."
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
