Remembering Robert Carradine: What Are His 5 Best Roles? 

Robert Carradine has sadly passed away. His brother Keith announced Tuesday morning that Carradine took his own life. Born into a talented acting family of several siblings, he was primarily known for the “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, but had a plethora of acting projects. With nearly 150 acting credits to his name, let’s check out some of his best roles.

Robert Carradine’s Best Roles Prove His Versatility 

Besides his portrayal of Lewis in four installments of “Revenge of the Nerds,” Carradine often worked in the western genre. His most famous role besides Lewis was dad Sam in the Lizzy McGuire franchise, which starred Hilary Duff. Let’s check out some of the other characters he played. 

Robert Carradine’s 5 Best Roles 

“Escape From L.A.” (1996)

Kurt Russell is front and center in this sci-fi/fantasy/action flick. Although Russell made a name for himself as Snake Plissken, Carradine did well in a part in he which was cast against type. He played the Skinhead – and did a fantastic job.  

This was a sequel to John Carpenter’s 1981 film, “Escape from New York,” and cast with all sorts of crazy characters. It’s funny, campy, and often irreverent. Carradine in this movie is a sure scene stealer.

Heartaches (1981)

Annie Potts and Margot Kidder play an earlier semi-version of Thelma and Louise, but with one of them expecting. Here Potts is Bonnie, a confused, pregnant woman – and not by her husband. Oops. Carradine portrays her husband. 

Bonnie soon meets Rita (Kidder), a free-spirited woman who takes her on a journey of self discovery. Carradine is excellent as Stanley Howard, the husband. He easily portrays the character very appropriately tongue-in-cheek.

The Long Riders (1980)

The cast here reads like a who’s who of pairs of brothers in Hollywood. First you have the Carradines, then the Keaches, the Quaids, and the Guests. David, Keith, and Robert Carradine teamed up to portray the Younger family brothers. (The Keach brothers play the James.)

This is a lesser known western, with a focus being on the relationship between the James brothers and their bandit counterparts as they rob banks across the American Midwest. Anyone who likes westerns or heist movies should watch this treat.

Was Once a Hero (2024) 

This is a more recent film of Carradine’s, with him portraying Doc Jennings. In true western style you have the main characters on the run and trying to right a wrong. They encounter many adventures along the way.

Carradine shines here as Doc, drawing from his experience of playing fatherly characters – and being in a variety of westerns. Another strong recommendation for those who like westerns. (Fun fact: Johnny and June Carter Cash’s son is in this, playing Chance, a marauder.)

Wavelength (1983) 

This is a sci-fi thriller about a couple who discover alien children who are stranded at a military installation. The couple, played by Carradine and Cherie Curie, go to great lengths to help the alien kids get off the planet. 

It is a bit of a strange movie, with an amazing soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. However it is worth the watch – as this is one of Carradine’s best roles. He shows his ability to be an enterprising and compassionate character. 

Remembering Robert Carradine’s Legacy Through His Roles 

At the time of his tragic passing, Carradine had several projects in the works. Although he would be best remembered as the nerd Lewis, he leaves behind a large body of work. He was an adept actor who lent his intelligence and empathy to his roles. Take some time over the next few weeks to treat yourself to a movie to remember Carradine by.