Adam Rich (October 12, 1968 – January 7, 2023) was an American actor noted for his role as Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on the television series Eight Is Enough, which ran for five seasons (1977–1981).

A distinctive feature of his appearance during his years as a child actor was his pageboy haircut, which inspired thousands of parents of that era to imitate the look for their young sons. His role on the show led him to be known as "America's little brother."

Personal life

Rich was born on October 12, 1968, the son of Francine and Rob Rich. His family was Jewish. 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. He almost died of a valium overdose in 1989. In 1991, he was arrested and charged with attempted burglary of a pharmacy.

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. Might writer Dave Eggers included the incident in his memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.

In 2002, Rich was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). He was in drug rehabilitation at least three times during his life.

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

Rich died at his home near Los Angeles on January 7, 2023, at the age of 54.

Career

Rich won the role of Nicholas at the age of eight.  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.

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.

Rich appeared in TV commercials for Betty Crocker Snackin' Cake and Nabisco's Wheatsworth crackers.

Death

Adam Rich was found dead in his Los Angeles home on January 7, 2023. He was 54.