Former child actor Adam Rich, best known for the ’70s TV series Eight Is Enough, has died today at 54, according to a report by TMZ. The article did not share the cause of death of the star. A family member confirmed his death, which took place in his L.A. home, with police finding no foul play.
Adam Rich started his career as an actor as an 8-year-old child and went far into adulthood before stopping at 35. His last role was in 2003’s Reel Comedy. Throughout his career, he starred in movies and TV shows. Highlights from his TV career were Baywatch, Small Wonder, Dungeons & Dragons, Code Red, CHiPs, and Fantasy Island. On the movie front, there were the TV movie spinoffs of Eight Is Enough and The City.
The best-known role for former child actor Adam Rich was in 1977’s Eight Is Enough. He played the youngest son, named Nicholas Bradford. After 112 episodes and two Emmy nominations, the show ended its long run in 1981. It also starred Dick Van Patten, Lani O’Grady, Connie Needham, Susan Richardson, and Laurie Walters.
Former child actor Adam Rich, known for Eight Is Enough, has died at 54
Before taking on a career in Hollywood, he attended Chatsworth High School in San Fernando Valley. The drama program that he was a part of has been known to bring out well-known actors, like actor and sexual predator Kevin Spacey and Van Kilmer.
The stardom at a young age was what made him pivot away from the industry. This process was slow as he did a few roles in the ’90s, like in one episode of Baywatch. In the ’90s, he faced drug abuse problems, which led to a 1991 arrest when he broke into a pharmacy for drugs. He was bailed out by Eight Is Enough co-star, Van Patten. He only worked twice in the 2000s with 2003 projects before dipping out of Hollywood entirely.
