Very sad indeed to have heard this news today.
The character he crafted in Kung Fu became a cliche of the Eastern Martial Artist precisely because of the positive core qualities that fictional monk embodied.
Mr. Carradine went on to play some memorable characters in martial arts and main stream movies and always portrayed that engaging laconic style whether it came to the trading of blows or the exchange of wits.
I find it hard to fathom that such a man would suicide at his years, tho' I suppose depression can strike us all at any time. On that side, I shall await what the reports will bring and hold my judgement.
As to the man and the roles he gifted to us, I shall miss him :sensei rei:.
