Lizzie McGuire star Robert Carradine dies aged 71

A number of emotional tributes were released

Carradine was also known for his breakout gig in Revenge Of The Nerds, and roles in Django Unchained and The Long Riders.

Most notably, he was known for playing Sam Maguire, the father of Lizzie McGuire, in the eponymous show.

In a statement, his family said: "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."

Speaking to Deadline, his brother, Keith, said that the family wanted people to know how valiant Robert had been amid his bipolar diagnosis.

He said: "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. That’s who my baby brother was."

Hilary Duff, who played his daughter on the show, paid tribute to her on-screen dad. Speaking about their bond and his sad death, she 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."

Jake Thomas, who played his on-screen son Matt McGuire, added in his own tribute: "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 of being with him and his family throughout my life."

He added: "Good moments, challenging moments and lots of laughs in between. I looked up to him growing up. And later, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right."

His father was the well-known actor John Carradine, with both his brothers David and Keith Carradine also being in the industry.

His third brother Christopher Carradine worked as a Disney Imagineer.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or any mental health issues then you can contact Samaritans on 116 123. You can also contact Text About It, the free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service. Text Hello to 50808 to begin.