Hilary Duff mourns the passing of her TV dad Robert Carradine, who died by suicide.

Hilary Duff, celebrated for her role in the iconic television series “Lizzie McGuire,” is mourning the loss of her on-screen father, Robert Carradine, who has passed away at the age of 71 after a long struggle with bipolar disorder. Carradine’s family confirmed his death on Monday, emphasizing the profound impact he had on those around him and shedding light on his nearly two-decade battle with mental health challenges.

In an emotional Instagram post, Duff expressed her sorrow, reflecting on the warmth she experienced while working with Carradine. She recalled the supportive dynamic of the McGuire family portrayed in the show, stating her gratitude for the love and care she felt during filming. Her heartfelt tribute conveyed that she was deeply saddened upon learning of Carradine’s suffering, and she extended her condolences to his family and loved ones.

Carradine is best remembered for his role as Sam McGuire, the loving father of Duff’s character in the beloved Disney Channel series, which aired from 2001 to 2004. He also reprised this role in the film adaptation, “The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” released in 2003. Fellow cast member Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Matt, shared his own memories of Carradine, praising his talent and reminiscing about their relationship. He noted that Carradine’s opinion meant a lot to him and expressed heartfelt wishes for comfort for Carradine’s family during this difficult time.

Actress LaLaine, who portrayed Lizzie’s best friend Miranda, also expressed her grief over Carradine’s death, stating that their time together was invaluable. She highlighted the constant support he provided her and shared her love for him in her tribute.

Carradine’s family called him a “beacon of light” in their statement, highlighting the need to address the stigma associated with mental illness. This sentiment underscores the importance of discussing mental health openly, especially in the wake of such tragedies. Carradine’s brother, Keith Carradine, described the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death as a suicide, bringing the topic of mental health to the forefront of conversations surrounding his passing.

This loss resonates deeply with fans and friends alike, as Carradine’s contributions to both film and television will be remembered fondly. His legacy will serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of mental health challenges.