As Lizzie McGuire actor Robert Carradine died aged 71, a look at half-brother David Carradine's death - how did US actor die?
Following actor Robert Carradine’s death, we take a look at the circumstances that surrounded the death of his half-brother David Carradine.
Tributes poured in for Robert after his family confirmed that the Lizzie McGuire and Revenge of the Nerds star had passed away at the age of 71.
His death has prompted questioned over the death of his half-brother David Carriadine. Also an actor, David was best known for his role in the 70s TV series Kung Fu, in which he played Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine.
David also had roles in film such as Boxcar Bertha, Death Race 200, Cannonball, Deathsport, and Bound For Glory, the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. He also later appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill duology.
David was no stranger to controversy throughout his life. He was arrested multiple times, many of which were in connection with substance and alcohol abuse.
In June 2009, David was found dead in a hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand at the age of 72. He was found hanged inside the room and authorities would later rule his cause of death as auto-erotic asphyxiation.
Medical examiner Michael Baden ruled that his death was accidental and ruled out suicide, mainly due to the way his body had been tied in the hanging and the lack of suicide note. Police added that he had been dead for at least 12 hours before he was found and that there was no sign of struggle.
David was the half-brother of Robert via their father John Carradine, who was also an actor. John was known for his roles in horror films, notably playing Count Dracula in House of Frankensteins, House of Dracula, and other flicks.
Robert’s death was announced on February 23, with a statement to Deadline from his family reading: “It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. 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.
“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion.”
Robert was best known for his role on the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, where he played Sam, the father of the teen girl, from 2001 until 2004.
Hilary Duff, his Lizzie McGuire co-star, paid tribute, saying: “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend.
“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. 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.”