Robert Carradine's Cause of Death Revealed as Suicide During Mental Health Treatment

The cause of death for the beloved actor Robert Carradine has finally been disclosed months after his passing at age 71.

Documents obtained from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirm that Carradine succumbed to an anoxic brain injury resulting from a suicide attempt.

This tragic event occurred while he was receiving treatment at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for severe mental health issues.

Authorities officially ruled the manner of death as suicide based on the evidence gathered during their investigation.

These newly released records provide a somber look into the final weeks of the veteran actor's life and highlight his long-standing struggle with serious mental illness.

Carradine, widely recognized for portraying the nerd hero Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 cult classic Revenge of the Nerds, died on February 23, 2026.

Medical records indicate that the actor suffered from a history of bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features, and anxiety alongside prior suicidal thoughts.

According to the investigative summary, Carradine voluntarily admitted himself to UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital on January 16, 2026, due to acute suicidal ideation.

The following day, hospital staff discovered him unresponsive in his room following what investigators described as an apparent hanging involving a leather belt.

Medical personnel successfully restored circulation, allowing Carradine to be transferred to intensive care where he remained hospitalized for more than five weeks.

Despite this initial intervention, his condition continued to deteriorate until he was pronounced dead on February 23.

The Medical Examiner's report lists the specific cause of death as sequelae of an anoxic brain injury caused by hanging, with no suspicion of foul play.

Investigators interviewed family members as part of their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Carradine's death.

The report notes that Carradine had battled bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis for approximately two decades before his condition worsened recently.

Records also indicate that he had previously sought treatment for suicidal thoughts at the same facility before this latest admission.

Family members expressed concern that he may have been discharged too early following an earlier hospitalization before returning to seek help again in January.

News of Carradine's death stunned fans across Hollywood and beyond when it was first announced by his grieving family.

Investigators stated that Carradine was partially suspended from a bedside table using a leather belt during the incident.

His brother, Keith Carradine, stated there was no shame in his brother's suicide and described Robert's death as the result of a prolonged battle with mental illness.

The Revenge of the Nerds star is also memorably known for playing Hilary Duff's father in the television series Lizzie McGuire.

In a statement to Deadline, Keith Carradine spoke candidly about the actor's mental health struggles and urged the public not to view his death through a lens of stigma.

"We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," Keith said. "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."

This revelation underscores the critical need for ongoing support systems and destigmatization efforts regarding mental health crises within the entertainment industry and society at large.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks communities face when individuals with severe mental illness do not receive adequate long-term care.

Robert Carradine, the youngest son of Hollywood legend John Carradine, leaves behind a legacy built on more than four decades of steady work in film and television. Born into a family of actors that included his brothers Keith and David, he initially aspired to be a race car driver rather than an entertainer. That ambition shifted after landing a pivotal role in the 1972 western The Cowboys, a project he later credited to the encouragement of his brother David. From this early break, he cultivated an impressive résumé featuring acclaimed films like Mean Streets, Coming Home, and The Big Red One. However, it was his portrayal of Lewis Skolnick in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds that truly transformed him into a pop culture icon. The low-budget film became a surprise sensation, and his character emerged as one of the defining figures of the 1980s. He reprised the role in multiple sequels and remained closely associated with the franchise throughout his life. Later generations came to know him as Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff's title character on Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire. Following news of his death, Duff paid tribute to her former television dad on social media. She wrote that facing the reality of losing an old friend was incredibly hard, noting the warmth of the McGuire family and her deep gratitude for the care she felt from her on-screen parents. Carradine also pursued another lifelong passion outside acting during the late 1980s and 1990s, fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional race car driver by competing for Lotus. His career later received a significant boost when Quentin Tarantino cast him in Django Unchained in 2012, introducing him to a new generation of moviegoers. Despite personal setbacks, including a serious 2015 Colorado car crash that injured both Carradine and his then-wife Edith Mani, he continued acting consistently throughout the remainder of his life. He is survived by his three children, including actress Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine. In an emotional tribute, Ever Carradine reflected on the unique bond she shared with her father, stating that she always knew he loved her and had her back. This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the US is available by calling or texting 988.