American actor Robert Carradine, widely recognized for his role as the lovable nerd Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed that he died by suicide following a nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder. In a heartfelt statement, his brother Keith Carradine described him as a light in dark times and expressed hope that sharing his story would help confront the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Born into one of Hollywood’s most storied families, Carradine was the youngest son of legendary actor John Carradine and the brother of actors David Carradine and Keith Carradine. He made his film debut in The Cowboys alongside John Wayne, marking the beginning of a decades-long career that spanned studio blockbusters, independent cinema and television. Beyond Revenge of the Nerds and its sequels, some of his notable films include The Long Riders, Cannonball, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie. On television, he appeared in numerous series and TV films, earning respect for his versatility and steady screen presence.
Outside of acting, Carradine had a deep passion for motorsports. He began racing go-karts at just 11 years old and later competed at the Grand Prix level, driving for Team Lotus alongside actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman. His love for racing reflected the same adventurous spirit he brought to his acting career.
Robert Carradine’s legacy extends beyond his filmography. Through his portrayal of unconventional, intelligent and often underestimated characters, he helped redefine the “nerd” archetype in pop culture, turning it into a symbol of resilience and pride. Off-screen, he was remembered by family as profoundly gifted, funny, wise and accepting, a beautiful soul who fought bravely against mental illness. He is survived by his children, including actress Ever Carradine, as well as Marika and Ian, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews.
