Adam Rich

Adam Rich (October 12, 1968 – January 7, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on the television series Eight Is Enough, which ran for five seasons (1977–1981). Known for his pageboy haircut, Rich's character on the show led him to be known as "America's little brother".[1][2][3]

Not to be confused with entrepreneur Adam Rich, co-founder of Thrillist.

Adam Rich
Rich in 1977
Born(1968-10-12)October 12, 1968
New York City, U.S.
DiedJanuary 7, 2023(2023-01-07) (aged 54)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1976–2003

Personal life

Rich was born on October 12, 1968,[4] the son of Francine and Rob Rich. His family was Jewish.[5] Growing up as a child actor, Rich lived in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, with his parents and younger brother. The family briefly lived in Florida where he learned how to act at the local gym. He was active in sports, including baseball, football, bicycle riding, skateboarding, and swimming. He also had an interest in drawing. At age 14, he tried smoking marijuana, and at 17, in 1986, he dropped out of high school.[6] He almost died of a valium overdose in 1989. In 1991, he was arrested and charged with attempted burglary of a pharmacy.[6]

In 1996, there was a media hoax that Rich had been murdered; the story was published in the San Francisco-based magazine Might, with Rich's consent.[6][7]

In 2002, Rich was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).[6] He was in drug rehabilitation at least three times.[6]

As of 2013, he occasionally made personal appearances and marketed script ideas for TV shows and films.[6]

Career

Rich won the role of Nicholas on Eight is Enough at the age of eight.[8][9] After Eight Is Enough, he had roles in Irwin Allen's short-lived 1981 TV series Code Red on ABC and the 1983 sitcom Gun Shy on CBS.[8]

Rich made guest appearances on television series including The Love Boat, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, The Six Million Dollar Man, St. Elsewhere, and Baywatch. He also did voice work on the cartoon series Dungeons & Dragons, along with Eight Is Enough co-star Willie Aames.[10]

Rich appeared in television commercials for Betty Crocker Snackin' Cake[11] and Nabisco's Wheatsworth crackers.[12]

Death

Rich died at his Los Angeles home on January 7, 2023, at the age of 54. The L.A. County Medical Examiner's autopsy report indicates the actor died from an accidental fentanyl overdose [13]

Filmography
YearTitleRoleNotes
1976The Six Million Dollar ManBobEpisode: "A Bionic Christmas Carol"
1977The CityDonnie CollinsTelevision film
1977–81Eight Is EnoughNicholas BradfordMain cast (112 episodes)
1978Fantasy IslandHerbie BlockEpisode: "Instant Family"
1979The Love BoatBrian PhillipsEpisode: "Oldies But Goodies"
1979CHiPsHimselfEpisode: "Roller Disco: Part 2"
1979Tukiki and His Search for a Merry ChristmasTukiki (voice)Television special
19803-2-1 ContactNicholas BradfordEpisode: "Crowded/Uncrowded: Human Crowding"
1981The Devil and Max DevlinToby HartFeature film
1981–82Code RedDanny BlakeMain cast (13 episodes)
1982CBS Children's Mystery TheatreJeffrey BrennerEpisode: "The Zertigo Diamond Caper"
1982Fantasy IslandHuck FinnEpisode: "Natchez Bound"
1982CHiPsLouis HindallEpisode: "Fallout"
1983Gun ShyClovisEpisodes: "Reading, Writing and Robbing", "Mail Order Mommy"
1983–85Dungeons & DragonsPresto, the MagicianVoice role (27 episodes)
1986St. ElsewhereLouis AppletonEpisode: "Family Affair"
1986Small WonderPeter WatsonEpisode: "Chewed Out"
1986Silver SpoonsScottEpisode: "Rick Moves Out"
1987Eight Is Enough: A Family ReunionNicholas BradfordTelevision film
1988Small WonderThe BeastEpisode: "The Gang's All Here"
1989An Eight Is Enough WeddingNicholas BradfordTelevision film
1993BaywatchEthanEpisode: "Sky Rider"
2003Dickie Roberts: Former Child StarHimself (cameo)Feature film (final role)

References
  1. "Adam Rich, former child star of 'Eight Is Enough,' dies at 54". Los Angeles Times. January 8, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  2. Berman, Marc. "'Eight Is Enough' Star Adam Rich Dies At 54". Forbes. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  3. Reul, Katie (January 8, 2023). "Adam Rich, Former Child Star of 'Eight Is Enough,' Dies at 54". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  4. "Meet Adam Rich of Eight Is Enough". Daily Record. Ellensburg, Washington. United Press International. September 23, 1978. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
  5. Bernstein, Fred A. (February 9, 2011). The Jewish Mothers' Hall of Fame. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. ISBN 9780307767165. Retrieved January 8, 2023 – via Google Books.
  6. "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow". National Enquirer. Vol. 88, no. 19. American Media, Inc. May 13, 2013. p. 43. ISSN 1056-3482.
  7. Eggers, Dave (April 26, 2000). "Diary of a Media Hoax: The Death of Adam Rich". AlterNet. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  8. Gliatto, Tom (August 26, 1991). "The Heartbreak Kid". People. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved February 28, 2012. former Eight Is Enough child star Adam Rich, now 22 ... won the part of Nicholas when he was 9
  9. Brand, Sam (March 1, 2010). "Adam Rich Skips 'Eight Is Enough' TV Reunion". PopEater.com. Retrieved February 28, 2012. Rich was 9 years old when 'Eight Is Enough's' first of five seasons premiered
  10. IMBb"Adam Rich, IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  11. "1977 Betty Crocker Snackin Cake "Adam Rich" TV Commercial". Retrieved January 8, 2023 – via YouTube.
  12. "Wheatsworth crackers - ad from 1982". Retrieved January 8, 2023 – via YouTube.
  13. Heching, Dan (January 8, 2023). "Adam Rich, 'Eight Is Enough' actor, dead at 54". CNN. Archived from the original on June 18, 2023.
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