Hilary Duff speaks out following death of on-screen dad Robert Carradine as family detail struggles

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

Hilary Duff has spoken out following the death of her on-screen dad Robert Carradine at the age of 71.

The actor, best known for his roles in the likes of The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, and Lizzie McGuire, spoke openly about his mental health struggles following a bipolar diagnosis.

His family say he took his own life on Monday (February 23).

In a statement issued to Deadline, Carradine's family said: "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.

Robert Carradine died aged 71 this week (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

"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."

Speaking of Carradine's experience with Bipolar Disorder, Keith Carradine, the actor's brother, stated there's 'no shame' in struggling with your mental health.

He said: "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 was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was."

Tributes have been pouring in for Carradine, including from Duff after the pair worked together from 2001 to 2004 on Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire.

Hilary Duff has paid her respects (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for ABA)

Duff took to Instagram to provide an emotional tribute to her former colleague.

She wrote: "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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.