Hilary Duff and her fellow Lizzie McGuire cast members have paid tribute to their late co-star Robert Carradine following his death at the age of 71.
Robert Carradine's family announced on Monday that he had died by suicide after a "nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder".
The veteran actor played Sam McGuire, the father of Hilary Duff's character Lizzie, in the television comedy series, which ran from 2001 to 2004 and also included a 2003 film spin-off.
Paying tribute on Instagram, Hilary Duff posted a picture of her with her late co-star and 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. 💔"
Hallie Todd, who played Robert Carradine's on-screen wife Jo in Lizzie McGuire, wrote: "My heart is broken.
"I'm going to miss my sweet buddy so much.
"He was a generous and loyal friend.
"He was brave, strong, kind and had a wicked sense of humor.
"He was a champion for the people he loved and always wanted the best for us.
"He was a wonderful actor, a brilliant guitar player, and the most incredible and devoted father.
"Over the last 25 years, our families grew extremely close, celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings together.
"My friendship with Bobby and his family is probably my most treasured personal gift from working on Lizzie McGuire.
"He was my family on screen and off.
"My heart, love, strength and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate through this enormous loss."
Jake Thomas, who played Robert Carradine's on-screen son Matt McGuire, described him as "one of the coolest guys you could ever meet".
"He was a talented actor, musician, and director," he continued.
"But more than anything, he was family."
The Carradine family statement announcing Robert Carradine's death read: "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 of light to everyone around him.
"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 son of screen legend John Carradine, brother of fellow actors David and Keith, and father of actress Ever, Robert Carradine's many credits included the films Mean Streets, Coming Home, The Big Red One, The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds, The Player, and Django Unchained.
On television, his credits included Bonanza, The Fall Guy, ER, NYPD Blue, and The Practice.
US entertainment trade publication Deadline reports that Keith Carradine said the family wanted people to know about his brother's struggle with Bipolar Disorder.
"We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," Keith Carradine 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."
Robert Carradine is survived by his children Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine, and Ian Alexander Carradine; his brothers Keith Carradine and Christopher Carradine; and his extended family.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
