Actor Robert Carradine Dead at 71

(L to R) Curtis Armstrong and Robert Carradine in ‘Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

Preview:

Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71.
He was best known for his breakout role as Lewis Skolnick in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and for his work in television series including ‘Kung Fu.’
Over a career spanning more than four decades, he became a distinctive presence in both comedy and drama, and a proud member of the legendary Carradine acting family.

Robert Carradine, the actor who endeared himself to audiences as the earnest and brainy Lewis Skolnick in ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and later explored a wide range of roles across television and film, has died at the age of 71.

“They’ve been laughed at, picked on and put down. But now it’s time for the odd to get even!”

Release Date: Jul 20, 1984

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min

Carradine’s family released a statement:

“Our beloved Robert passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He approached his craft with humility and heart, and he cherished the fans who supported him throughout his career. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and ask for privacy as we celebrate his life and legacy.”

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Robert Carradine: Early Life and Breakthrough

(Center) Robert Carradine in ‘Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

Born March 24, 1954, in Hollywood, California, Robert Reed Carradine was part of an acting dynasty that included his father, John Carradine, and brothers David and Keith Carradine. Surrounded by film sets and storytelling from an early age, he gravitated naturally toward performance.

He began appearing in television and film in the early 1970s, earning attention for roles in projects such as ‘The Cowboys’ and ‘Mean Streets’. But it was in 1984 that he achieved pop-culture immortality with his role as Lewis Skolnick in ‘Revenge of the Nerds.’ He would reprise the role in several sequels, cementing his place in 1980s cinema history.

Robert Carradine: A Career of Range and Reinvention

(L to R) Robert Carradine and Curtis Armstrong in ‘Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

Beyond his signature comedic role, Carradine demonstrated versatility across genres. In the 1970s, he appeared in the television series ‘Kung Fu’ alongside his brother David, contributing to the show’s enduring legacy. He later starred in the action series ‘The Marshal’ and made numerous guest appearances in popular television dramas and comedies.

Carradine also explored directing and producing, reflecting a deep commitment to storytelling that extended beyond acting alone. Throughout his career, he balanced mainstream projects with independent films, often choosing roles that highlighted quiet intelligence and offbeat charm.

Robert Carradine: Off Screen

(L to R) Larry B. Scott, Robert Carradine, Timothy Busfield, Curtis Armstrong in ‘Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

Away from the spotlight, Carradine was known for his thoughtful nature and dedication to his family. He frequently spoke about the unique bond shared among the Carradine siblings and the responsibility he felt in honoring their artistic heritage.

Friends and colleagues remembered him as generous, self-effacing, and deeply appreciative of the fans who embraced his work across generations.

Carradine leaves behind a body of work that spans decades of American film and television — from college campus comedies to Western landscapes — and a legacy defined by warmth, wit, and the enduring spirit of the underdog.