Robert Carradine stopped “gung-ho” conversations about appearing in his next movie weeks before his tragic death.
The “Lizzie McGuire” alum was set to begin work on “The Driver” in the role of Mafia crime leader Antonio Politano after being out of touch for about four weeks, director Connie Ramose told Sunday’s Daily Mail.
“Our last conversation was positive and upbeat,” she said, explaining that he had spoken to a colleague in mid-January and was “ready to go” for a table read.
“There was nothing to suggest otherwise,” Lamott continued. “The discussion was mainly about the details of the table read.
“(Robert) was very enthusiastic about it. He wanted to come. He definitely wanted to do it. And it was great. So everything was set. We set the date for February 21st.”
The filmmaker explained that Carradine was primarily in touch with his friend Wayne Shipley, with whom Ramothy also works, but that they had since “lost contact.”
“There was nothing beyond that. There was no information period,” she said.
Lamothe said she was concerned about the lack of communication, but wanted to give the Disney alumni space.
“Wayne and I were worried about that, but some actors do that,” she explained. “It wasn’t that we were being unfair or unkind, but that happens sometimes. We just wanted to let it hang in there a little bit and give him some space depending on what was going on with him.”
Ultimately, Mr. Lamott decided to postpone the table reading date to March 14, but Mr. Carradine did not know this.
She said she didn’t want the “Escape from LA” star to feel guilty or like she “let everyone down.”
Lamothe revealed that the actor’s role will be recast and the film will be dedicated to him.
Carradine tragically took his own life on February 23rd after a long battle with bipolar disorder. He was 71 years old.
According to TMZ, the “Revenge of the Nerds” star was diagnosed after his brother David died of suffocation in 2009.
He was the father of actress Ever Carradine, who he had with Susan Snyder, and his children Malika and Ian with ex-wife Edie Mani.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
