Robert Carradine on the Time John Wayne ‘Reduced Me to Tears’ On Set

Robert Carradine has died at the age of 71, his family announced on February 24, 2026. In June 2025, ReMIND reported on Carradine’s panel discussion at the MidSouth Nostalgia Festival, in which the actor reflected on his early career.

Robert Carradine descends from a legendary acting family beginning with his distinguished father, John Carradine and his brothers David Carradine and Keith Carradine. But following in their footsteps wasn’t always part of the plan.

“I didn’t want to be an actor. I was 18. My whole life at that point was cars and wanting to race. When The Cowboys came along around 1972, Bruce Dern eventually played the part of Long Hair, but it was offered to my brother David,” Carradine told a crowded audience at a panel at the MidSouth Nostalgia Festival in early June in Mississippi.