Adam Rich, ‘Eight Is Enough’ Star, Dies At 54

Adam Rich, the former child actor who played Nicholas Bradford in Eight Is Enough, has died at the age of 54.

Rich died Saturday in his home in Los Angeles. Although reports did not share a cause of death, law enforcement said that his death was not a result of foul play.

ADAM RICH CAUSE OF DEATH

Danny Deraney, Rich’s manager, wrote a statement about the actor on Twitter, saying, “If you knew Adam, you just loved the guy.”

IN MEMORIAM 2022: 100 GREAT CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2022!

Thank you all for reaching out regarding Adam Rich.

If you knew Adam, you just loved the guy. And oh the stories he could tell.

Here is my statement: pic.twitter.com/3OITGnESuf

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 8, 2023

Rich suffered from a type of depression that defied treatment. He tried experimental cures over the years but was unsuccessful. He also said that close family and friends were worried in recent weeks when they couldn’t contact the actor.

Rich was treated for drug addiction several times. He also has faced legal issues, including driving under the influence and breaking into a pharmacy.

To mark being sober for seven years, the actor reflected on his past on social media.

Well… I’m not perfect! Arrests, 20’ahem rehabs(not all voluntary;), 3-4 OD’s(depending on who you ask!), a couple 5150’s… & countless detoxes & relapses. 7yrs clean & sober the 7th!… 54yrs old on the 12th. It takes what it takes! 😉 So don’t ever give up! #Sobriety beats hell! pic.twitter.com/FmzjA7B1Hl

— Adam Rich 🦍 (@TheeAdamRich) October 10, 2022

During the Eight Is Enough‘s production, Dick Van Patten, who played Rich’s father Tom Bradford, called the child star “the most intelligent person on the show and very sweet, careful of people’s feelings, which is rare in children.”

After the success of Eight Is Enough, Rich appeared in ABC’s Code Red in 1981 and the animated series Dungeons & Dragons in 1983.

Rich’s last television role was an episode of Baywatch in 1993. He then stepped away from on-screen acting for ten years.

In a 2021 Instagram post, the actor reflected on his career, writing, “I’m grateful for the joy felt while working on 8!… I do hope it may have brought you some joy as well.”