Hilary Duff has paid tribute to her “Lizzie McGuire” co-star Robert Carradine following his death at the age of 71.
“This one hurts. It’s hard to face this reality about an old friend,” she wrote on Instagram Monday.
“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.”
The actress continued, “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.”
Carradine played Duff’s father, Sam, in the Disney Channel classic, appearing in 65 episodes between 2001 and 2004, according to his IMDB. He also played the same character in the 2003 film “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.”
Jake Thomas — who portrayed Duff’s brother in the show — described Carradine as “one of the coolest guys you could ever meet” in a post of his own.
“Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric,” he wrote on Instagram.
“He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family,” Thomas concluded.
Carradine took his own life after a “valiant” battle with bipolar disorder, his family told Deadline.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” their statement read.
“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on 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.”
Carradine’s brother, Keith, said his sibling’s mental illness struggles “got the better of him” before paying a personal tribute.
“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,” he said. “He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”
Carradine said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following the death of his brother and fellow actor, David. David was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room in 2009.
Carradine was best known for his roles in the 1980 war epic movie “The Big Red One,” the 1984 movie “Revenge of the Nerds,” and the 1996 movie “Escape from L.A.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.