Robert Carradine Went 'Radio Silent' From Final Film Project, Showed Troubling Signs

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:15 PM

As Robert Carradine's death shocks Hollywood, colleagues who worked with the late actor in his final moments said they saw the signs.

Robert Carradine
Lisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

As the death of Robert Carradine continues to shock Hollywood, colleagues privileged to work with the late actor in his final moments said they saw some concerning signs.

The "Lizzie McGuire" alum was announced dead on Monday, January, in a heartbreaking statement by his family.

Carradine battled bipolar disorder for two decades before finally succumbing to the condition at 71 years old.

Robert Carradine Went Missing From Table Read Shortly Before Death

Robert Carradine posing on the red carpet.
MEGA

Before his demise, Carradine was working on what would be his last project, titled "The Driver," AKA "Driving into Darkness."

According to director Connie Lamothe, she felt something was wrong with the actor when he was absent from a table read days earlier.

Lamothe told TMZ she began seeing signs as far back as January when Carradine went "radio silent," sparking great concerns from producers. No one knew about his whereabouts.

However, given his mental health struggles, a close friend in the cast suggested the late actor be given some space in the hopes he would return to the set. Unfortunately, that never happened.

Lamothe, who is devastated by the loss, recalled how excited the Hollywood veteran was about the crime drama where he played a mob boss.

Nevertheless, the director continues to remember Carradine for his cheerful spirit, recounting how she often joked about cutting his hair and beard for the role.

Robert Carradine Found Dead At 71

Robert Carradine

Billy Bennight/AdMedia /MediaPunch / MEGA

A family statement confirmed Carradine took his own life on Monday, with loved ones praising his strength throughout his battle with bipolar disorder.

"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of 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," it read, per Deadline.

Loved ones of the "Revenge of the Nerds" actor hope that his life and legacy bring awareness to the mental health condition and the stigma attached to it.

Hilary Duff Leads 'Lizzie McGuire' Co-Stars In Heartfelt Tribute

Hilary Duff at 31st Elton John Oscar Party

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Following Carradine's passing, his former "Lizzie McGuire" co-star honored his memory. Hilary Duff, who starred as his on-screen daughter in the Disney sitcom, penned a moving tribute on social media.

As The Blast reported, alongside throwback pictures from the show, Duff wrote, "This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend."

The actress gushed about the "warmth" in the McGuire family, confessing that she "always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents."

Referencing Carradine's mental health struggles, Duff expressed sadness at the actor's "suffering." She concluded her post, writing, "My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him."

More Co-Stars Speak Out About Carradine's Legacy

 

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A post shared by Jake Thomas (@sirjakethomas)

Jake Thomas also joined Duff to remember the on-screen patriarch in an Instagram post.

Showering praises on Carradine's legacy, a heartbroken Thomas wrote, "I was fortunate to know Bobby for most my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric."

He recalled always looking up to the "Bonanza" actor while growing up and having Carradine respect him as a colleague later in life.

"Rest easy, Bobby. Love you, 'Jaker,'" the conclusion read.

Fans Flood Robert Carradine's Final Post With Condolences

Robert Carradine

Lisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

In the aftermath of "The Cowboys" actor's passing, die-hard fans took to his final Instagram post to leave their heartwarming condolences.

Carradine's last post was a promotional poster for the latest installment of his "Party Nerds Pop-Cast" featuring Christopher Atkins. Fans wasted no time turning the comments section into a digital memorial, as reported by The Blast.

Many shared touching memories of how Carradine's movies impacted their lives.

One fan wrote, "Revenge of the Nerds was a big movie for me as a very young teen. I liked the sequels too. I'm sorry you had more pain than you could handle. Rest now."

Another heartwarming comment read, "Rest in heaven! No longer suffering. Thank you for being a dad to all of us on Lizzie McGuire, but most importantly, being the multi-talented, amazing person that you are!"

Carradine's daughter, Ever Carradine, also broke her silence on her father's passing, opening up about her childhood.

Ever gushed about her late father always having her back, adding that she always thought of him as her "partner."

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