Actor Robert Carradine, a member of the Carrdine acting dynasty, best know for his role in Disney's Lizzie McGuire and the film Revenge of the Nerds, died at the age of 71 on Monday February 23. The star took his own life after a two decade struggle with bipolar disorder. The news was announced in a public statement and shortly afterwards his Handmaid's Tale star daughter Ever posted a heartbreaking tribute to the star.

“My dad died today. My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone. If you knew my dad, you know he’s the guy that’s always there. Invite him to dinner? He’s in. Kid’s Little League game in Simi Valley, just tell him what time. Red eye flight and need a ride home from the airport, just text him your column number after you get your bags," she wrote.

"Growing up in the 70s and 80 with a single dad in Laurel Canyon is not exactly the recipe for a grounded childhood, but somehow mine was. Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back," she continued.

"He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love. I have a thousand stories and I’m being flooded with memories — so if you see me, please ask me about my dad, Bobby Carradine, who made me who I am. Rest easy, dad. I love you the most,” she concluded.

Robert's Disney co-stars also rushed to pay tribute upon learning the news. Hilary Duff, who starred as the titular tween who was his daughter on the show, wrote on Instagram: “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."

Jake Thomas, who played his son, Lizzie’s brother Matt, penned: "My heart hurts today. 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. 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."

This is a breaking showbiz story, the Express Showbiz team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as we receive it. For further updates, please refresh the page

_You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest TV stories straight to your inbox by _signing up for our newsletters.

_Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the day’s top showbiz stories by following _Express.co.uk every time you see our name.

You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all the latest updates by following @‌Daily_Express_, or for the latest TV and showbiz news, follow _@‌expressceleb

_Keep up-to-date with your must-see TV stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at _Express Celebrity