David's father was legendary actor John Carradine. His half-brothers include actors Keith Carradine and Robert Carradine.
David had a three-year relationship with actress Barbara Hershey. Together they had one son named Free. He has since changed his name to Tom Carradine.
David attended San Francisco State College to study music theory and composition. While there, he was bit by the acting bug and joined a Shakespearian repertory company.
David was married five times, the most recent to Annie Bierman in 2004.
He was found dead in a Bangkok, Thailand hotel room on June 4, 2009.