RIP: Robert Carradine
Robert Carradine died yesterday at the age of 71, the result of suicide. Mr. Carradine battled bi-polar disorder for two decades.
Both of Robert Carradine’s parents were actors. His mother was Sonia Sorel (née Henius) and his father, John Carradine. In addition, Robert’s brothers, Christopher and Keith, as well as his step-brothers, Bruce, David and Michael were also actors. Robert’s parents divorced when he was two. He lived with his father and step-mother until high school. At that point Robert moved in with his step-brother David.
In addition to acting, Robert loved auto racing and music. His first professional role was a guest appearance on Bonanza. The following year Mr. Carradine got his first feature role in John Wayne’s The Cowboys. After that Robert Carradine continued to act on television and in feature films for the next 50 plus years.
Some of the television projects that feature Robert Carradine acting include: Bonanza; Footsteps; Kung Fu; The Cowboys (12 episodes); The Hatfields and McCoys; Police Story (2 episodes); Tales of the Klondike; The Fall Guy; The Sun Also Rises; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Twilight Zone; Faerie Tale Theater; As Is; The Magical World of Disney; Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago Eight; Totally Minnie; The Hitchhiker; The Incident; Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture; Doublecrossed; Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation; The Tommyknockers (2 episodes); Body Bags; Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love; Sirens; ER; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; Kung Fu: The Legend Continues (2 episodes); Humanoids of the Deep; Dark Skies; The Pretender; NYPD Blue; The Practice; Fast Track (2 episodes); Vengeance Unlimited; Nash Bridges (2 episodes); Express Yourself (2 episodes); Monte Walsh; The Lizzie McGuire Movie; Lizzie McGuire (65 episodes); Law & Order: Criminal Intent; Jane Doe: Ties that Bind; Robot Chicken; Workers’ Comp; Jesse Stone: Benefit of Doubt; James Blondes; Tales of the Wild West (2 episodes); Lizzie McGuire (2 episodes) and Medinah.
Some feature films that Robert Carradine acted in include: The Cowboys; Go Ask Alice; Mean Streets; Aloha Bobby and Rose; Jackson County Jail; Cannonball!; Orca; Coming Home; The Long Riders; The Big Red One; Revenge of the Nerds; Number One with a Bullet; Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise; The Player; Escape from LA; Ghosts of Mars; Fancypants; Django Unchained; Was Once a Hero and Skate to Hell.
I first saw Robert Carradine acting in The Cowboys. After that I loved seeing him pop up on television and films. My favorite movie that he appeared in is The Cowboys, but The Long Riders is also a favorite. Robert Carradine’s long career is a testament to his talent.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Carradine’s family, friends and fans.
