Lizzie McGuire‘s Jake Thomas offered insight into his bond with Robert Carradine before his onscreen dad’s death.
During Us Weekly‘s retrospective in honor of Lizzie McGuire‘s 25-year anniversary in January, Thomas, 36, opened up about how he has stayed in touch with Carradine and Hallie Todd, who played his mom, saying, “They have always been and will continue to be like an aunt and uncle to me. Every time my parents are in town visiting — which they will be for Thanksgiving [this year] — my dad goes and grabs a beer and watches a football game with Bobby down at the bar.”
Thomas, who played Matt, noted that he sees most of the cast “from time to time.”
“They’re basically like family at this point from going through an experience like that,” he told Us. “It was so influential in my life and in everybody else’s lives too. It makes us — in a way — a family that can never be separated. I like seeing everybody every once in a while, [but] everybody’s just doing so many different things, which is cool.”
Lizzie McGuire, which aired from 2001 to 2004, introduced Hilary Duff in the role of 13-year-old Lizzie McGuire as she attempted to navigate the personal and social issues of being a teenager. It quickly developed a cult fan base that clung to the show’s genuine storytelling, fun comedic moments and meaningful lessons about growing up.
Disney+ previously attempted a revival of the beloved show, but creative differences behind the scenes led to it being canceled before a single episode was released. Carradine was one of the cast members expected to make an appearance in the short-lived project.
News broke on Monday, February 23, that Carradine died at age 71 following a battle with bipolar disorder.
“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” read a statement released by Carradine’s family. “In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon [of] light to everyone around him.”
Carradine’s loved ones stood by the choice to make the actor’s mental health struggles public, adding, “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.”
The statement continued: “We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it. 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.”
Thomas released a tribute in honor of Carradine.
“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,” Thomas wrote via Instagram. “He was a talented actor, musician, and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments, and lots of laughs between.”
The former child star expressed gratitude for the time he got to spend with Carradine, writing, “I looked up to him growing up. And later in life, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right in his eyes. My heart is with Marika and Ian. Rest easy, Bobby. Love you.”
