Hilary Duff breaks silence after Lizzie McGuire dad Robert Carradine dies

Hilary Duff led tribute for her Lizzie McGuire father, Robert Caradine, who took his own life after a two-decade struggle with Bipolar Disorder.

The late actor, who died at 71, had played Sam McGuire in the hit Disney series, which ran for two season between 2001 and 2004. 

It was the show that shot Hilary Duff to fame.

Following the shocking news, the 38-year-old took to social media to share a message for her beloved on-screen dad.

“This one hurts,” Hilary began. “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.”

She continued, “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.”

Robert, who belonged to famed family of actors, was also best known for his roles in The Long Riders and Revenge of the Nerds.

Following the death of the star, his older surviving brother Keith shared that Robert was “bedrock” of the family but his struggles “got the best of him”.

In a statement issued by the family, they noted that the actor’s “valiant struggle” against Bipolar Disorder can “shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness”.

Other cast members of the Disney show also gave tribute to the star.

Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother Matt, wrote, “My head hurts today.”

He continued, “I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric.”