Another star's light dimmed yesterday, January 7, as Eight is Enough alum Adam Rich, confirmed his death at 54. The actor also famously starred in Dungeons & Dragons and Code Red.
Farewell to a TV Icon: Adam Rich, Star of ‘Eight Is Enough,’ Dies at 54
Shutterstock | 751606
No Foul Play
TMZ broke the news yesterday saying a family member confirmed his death in his L.A. home. They didn't divulge his cause of death but the legal authorities assure his fans that there's no sign of homicide.
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Rise To Fame
Flickr | ridureyu1
Rich rose to fame in the late Seventies and early Eighties due to his role as Nicholas Bradford in the sitcom, Eight is Enough. When the show ended in 1981, he joined Code Red and landed a voice role on Dungeons & Dragons in 1983.
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Life Post-'Eight Is Enough'
Flickr | TheOtherRalston
The late actor also starred in fan-favorite series, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, and Small Wonder. His final official credit as a young star was in the famous Baywatch before brief cameos in the early 2000s.
A Magazine Cover Model
Flickr | Diggita Italia
Rich also covered magazines in his short time as a child star including PEOPLE. He landed the 73rd spot on the Greatest Child Actors of all time list curated by VH1.
Hiding From The Spotlight
Unfortunately for his fans, Rich didn't like the spotlight or fame, leading him to retire early from Hollywood. In the late eighties and early nineties, Rich developed a drug abuse problem leading to his 1991 arrest.
Brush With The Law
Flickr | b.cris64
The then-23-year-old caused a stir outside a pharmacy when he tried to steal drugs by smashing its windows. His on-screen father, Tom Bradford (Dick Van Patten), bailed him from jail but that was only the beginning of his legal woes.
Drug-Addled Life
Apart from his potential arrest at the pharmacy in 1991, Rich got arrested for driving under the influence. He attempted to turn his life around by checking into rehab thrice.
'The History Of Sitcom'
The actor joined CNN's docuseries The History of Sitcom in 2021 and shared his thoughts on his short-lived career. He was grateful for the opportunity and hoped he entertained his audience.
Short But Impactful Career
Flickr | TheOtherRalston
Despite having a short time on screen, Rich's impact in the 1980s and 1990s was anything but small. The actor's pageboy bowl cut became famous, and he earned the nickname America's Little Brother.
Saying Goodbye To A Voice Of The People
Fans mourn Rich's loss as they reminisce on his drug-addled life and child star days. Scroll down to read some of what his fans and colleagues are saying.
Fans Are Sad
Fans are sad that he fought depression alone.
Open About His Depression
Rich helped many fans through their depression
It's a Tough World For Child Actors
Child actors deal with a lot.
