AceShowbiz - Robert Carradine stopped engaging in enthusiastic discussions about starring in an upcoming film just weeks prior to his tragic death.

The actor, known for his role in Lizzie McGuire, was set to begin work on The Driver where he would portray the mafia crime boss Antonio Politano. However, director Connie Lamothe told the Daily Mail on Sunday that Robert Carradine ceased communication for approximately four weeks before his passing.

“The last conversation was positive and upbeat,” Lamothe said, noting that Carradine had spoken with her colleagues in mid-January and was “good to go” for a table read.

Lamothe described the actor as very eager about the project. “He was very gung-ho about that. Wanted to come. Definitely wanted to do it. And so that was great. So we got everything all set. We had set the date for February 21,” she explained.

Up until the communication stopped, Robert Carradine was mostly in touch with his friend Wayne Shipley, who also works with Lamothe. However, after that point, “There was just nothing more. No information period,” Lamothe added.

The filmmaker admitted that the sudden silence was concerning but she chose to respect the actor’s space. “Wayne and I were concerned about that, but some actors do that,” she said. “Not to be unfair or unkind, but sometimes that just happens. We wanted to just kind of let it ride out a little bit and give him some space, depending on whatever was happening with him.”

Eventually, Lamothe decided to postpone the table read to March 14, a change Robert Carradine was unaware of. She expressed hope that the Escape from L.A. star did not feel guilty or as if he had let anyone down.

Lamothe confirmed that the role of Antonio Politano will be recast and that the film will be dedicated to Carradine.

Tragically, Robert Carradine died by suicide on February 23 after a long battle with bipolar disorder. He was 71 years old.

Lamothe reflected that “there was nothing that suggested otherwise” during their last interactions, emphasizing the shock of the sudden silence from the actor who had seemed ready and eager to work.

Carradine was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following the death of his brother David in 2009, who died from asphyxiation, according to TMZ.

He was the father of actress Ever Carradine, whom he shared with Susan Snyder, as well as Marika and Ian, his children with ex-wife Edie Mani.

If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.