Adam Rich Death: Famous Child Star Passed Away At 54

Born on October 12, 1968, Rich is the son of Francine and Rob Rich, and grew up in a Jewish family. His childhood was spent in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, alongside his parents and younger brother. While briefly residing in Florida, he honed his acting skills at a local gym.

Engaging in various sports like baseball, football, bicycle riding, skateboarding, and swimming, Rich also displayed an early interest in drawing. Experimenting with marijuana at the age of 14, he made the decision to drop out of high school in 1986 at the age of 17. Encountering a near-fatal valium overdose in 1989, he faced legal trouble in 1991 when he was arrested and charged with attempted burglary of a pharmacy.

Transitioning to the discussion on Adam Rich’s death, this article delves into the details surrounding the circumstances of his passing. It investigates the cause of his death and offers insights into his career and various facets of his life.

Adam Rich Death: Known For “America’s Little Brother” Role

On January 7, 2023, Adam Rich, the beloved former child star known for his role as Nicholas Bradford in the 1977 sitcom “Eight Is Enough,” passed away at the age of 54. Initially reported as an accident, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office later revealed that Rich succumbed to the “effects of fentanyl.” His lifeless body was discovered in his Los Angeles home on January 8.

Adam Rich gained widespread affection for portraying the youngest child in the Bradford family on the popular ABC comedy-drama “Eight Is Enough,” a role he took on at the tender age of eight. The show, based on the book of the same name by Tom Braden, ran for five seasons from 1977 to 1981. Rich’s popularity earned him the endearing moniker “America’s Little Brother” during the series’ run.

Beyond “Eight Is Enough,” Adam Rich had a notable presence in television, appearing in well-known series such as “Baywatch,” “Small Wonder,” “Dungeons & Dragons,” as well as “Gun Shy,” “Code Red,” and “CHiPs.” He reprised his role from “Eight Is Enough” in two TV spin-off movies: “Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion” (1987) and “An Eight Is Enough Wedding” (1989).

In 2003, Rich made his last on-screen appearance as himself in the film “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” and portrayed Crocodile Dundee in an episode of “Reel Comedy.” His representative, Danny Deraney, announced Rich’s passing on Twitter, describing him as a “wonderful guy” and “America’s Little Brother,” emphasizing his kindness, generosity, and advocacy in the fight against mental illness.

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The news left many who grew up with him feeling a sense of loss and sadness, mourning the departure of a significant part of their childhood.

More About Adam Rich Career

Rich secured the role of Nicholas on “Eight is Enough” at the tender age of eight. Post the show, he took on roles in Irwin Allen’s short-lived 1981 series “Code Red” on ABC and the 1983 sitcom “Gun Shy” on CBS.

His television journey included guest spots on popular series like “The Love Boat,” “CHiPs,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “Baywatch.” Rich also lent his voice to the cartoon series “Dungeons & Dragons” alongside his “Eight is Enough” co-star Willie Aames.

Beyond acting, Rich featured in commercials for Betty Crocker Snackin’ Cake and Nabisco’s Wheatsworth crackers. In 1996, a media hoax falsely claimed Rich’s murder, published in the San Francisco-based magazine Might with his consent.

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In 2002, Rich faced legal trouble with a DUI arrest and underwent drug rehabilitation multiple times. By 2013, he sporadically made personal appearances and pitched script ideas for TV shows and films.