Exploring the Carradine Family: Robert, David, and Keith's Hollywood Legacy
Exploring the Carradine Family: Robert, David, and Keith's Hollywood Legacy
Andrea ReiherTue, February 24, 2026 at 5:57 AM UTC
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(Studio Seven Productions/NM/Sygma via Getty Images)
Following the death of Robert Carradine at age 71, many fans are wondering about the famous last name he shared with several other Hollywood stars.
Yes, Robert Carradine was part of the legendary Carradine acting family, one of the most recognizable dynasties in film and television history.
Here’s how they’re connected.
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Was Robert Carradine related to David Carradine?
Yes. Robert and David Carradine were paternal half-brothers.
David Carradine was best known for starring as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s TV series Kung Fu and later for his role as Bill in Quentin Tarantino’sKill Bill films. He died in 2009 at the age of 72 while in Thailand. Authorities initially suggested the possibility of death by suicide, though later forensic findings commissioned by his family ruled it out, according to Reuters.
Robert was the youngest of the Carradine brothers and often appeared alongside David, including in the 1980 film The Long Riders, where real-life brothers portrayed real-life outlaw siblings.
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Was Robert Carradine related to Keith Carradine?
Yes. Keith Carradine, 76, is also Robert’s brother and David's paternal half-brother.
Keith has had a long and acclaimed career in film and television. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I’m Easy” from the 1975 film Nashville. On television, he has appeared in Dexter, Fargo, Deadwood, Madam Secretary and The Big Bang Theory.
Following Robert’s death, Keith described his brother as “profoundly gifted” and spoke openly about Robert’s decades-long struggle with Bipolar Disorder, emphasizing that “there is no shame in it.”
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Who was Robert Carradine’s father?
Robert’s father was John Carradine, a prolific Hollywood actor who appeared in more than 200 films.
John Carradine worked extensively with director John Ford and appeared in classics like Stagecoach and The Grapes of Wrath. His long career laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational acting dynasty. He died in 1988 at the age of 82.
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Is Robert Carradine related to Martha Plimpton?
Yes. Actress Martha Plimpton, 55, is Robert Carradine’s niece. She is the daughter of Keith Carradine and has had a successful career in film, television and theater, including Emmy-winning work.
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Is Robert Carradine related to Ever Carradine?
Yes. Ever Carradine, 51, is Robert Carradine’s daughter.
Ever is known for her roles in The Handmaid’s Tale, Runaways and The Rookie. She is part of the third generation of Carradine actors working in Hollywood.
The Carradine name spans generations. For many fans revisiting Robert Carradine’s work in Revenge of the Nerds or Lizzie McGuire, the family connection adds another layer to a remarkable Hollywood legacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation call or text 988 to connect to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
