Content Warning: This article discusses mental health in a manner that may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised.
On Monday, it was confirmed that actor Robert Carradine had passed away at the age of 71. In a public statement, the Carradine family stated that a two-decade struggle with bipolar disorder had contributed to his death. Now, in a statement shared to TMZ, the director of the late actor’s final film stated he had disappeared earlier this week.
Connie Lamothe, director of The Driver, which is currently in production, spoke to the tabloid. The filmmaker said she was “shocked” and “saddened” to learn of the actor’s unexpected death. She went on to say that earlier this week, the Revenge of the Nerds actor failed to show up at a table read for the film.
Director Connie Lamothe revealed the sad news about Robert Carradine
Production on The Driver had previously been halted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the film’s production was put back on track in January, the director said. She went on to tell TMZ that the actor became “radio silent” when she reached out to him. Additionally, he was said to be in good spirits about the film and was excited to take on the lead role as a crime boss.
Connie added that she reached out to a friend of David’s, who also stars in The Driver. She was then informed that he was currently struggling with his mental health, and production decided to give him “space”. The filmmaker hoped he would return to the film soon, before she learned of his death yesterday.
In a statement to Deadline, Robert’s brother, fellow actor Keith Carradine, said he wanted to know that bipolar disorder contributed to his death.
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he said in a statement. “It is an illness that got the best of him,” he added. “I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul.”
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE DIRECTOR SHOULD HAVE TALKED TO TMZ ABOUT THE LATE ACTOR?
If you are struggling with your mental health, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support. Alternatively, you can chat online via 988lifeline.org.
