Jamie Lee Curtis Pays Tribute to Her Childhood Movie Crush Robert Carradine

Actor Robert Carradine Passes Away at 71 After Battle with Bipolar Disorder

Actor Robert Carradine, known for his roles in classic films and television series, has died at the age of 71. His manager and brother, Keith Carradine, confirmed that Carradine "succumbed to bipolar disorder after fighting it for almost 20 years."

Jamie Lee Curtis, a fellow actor and friend, shared her memories of Carradine in a heartfelt tribute. She recalled their first encounter on live television during "The Dinah Shore Show," a memorable moment that brought joy to both their lives.

In a post on Instagram, Curtis expressed her sadness over Carradine’s passing. “I woke up to the news that Robert Carradine died,” she wrote. “Bobby and I came on last and Bobby rearranged where we were all sitting so that he could sit next to me and he kissed me, live on television.”

Curtis also reflected on her experiences with Carradine during the 1970s, describing scenic drives in his Corvette along Mulholland Drive. “Bobby was a racecar driver and he drove fast and furious,” she shared. “One day I remember the sun hitting his face and I turned and looked at him and said, ‘Wait, were you in the movie The Cowboys? Were you Slim?’ He was my first crush in the movies and I didn’t realize it.”

Carradine is best remembered for his portrayal of Slim Honeycutt in the 1972 film The Cowboys, which starred John Wayne. He also gained fame as Lewis Skolnick in the "Revenge of the Nerds" series during the 1980s and 1990s, and later introduced to younger audiences as Sam McGuire, the father in Disney’s Lizzie McGuire.

In a statement to NBC News, Keith Carradine highlighted the profound impact of his brother’s struggles with mental health.

Ever Carradine, Robert’s daughter, also honored her father on Instagram, recalling their close relationship. “My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone,” she wrote.

She continued to express the unique bond they shared, noting, “Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, and I always knew he had my back.”

Born in Los Angeles, Robert Carradine made his television debut in a 1971 episode of the NBC Western Bonanza. His career in entertainment left an enduring legacy, fondly remembered by friends, family, and fans alike.