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".

Personal life Rich was born on October 12, 1968, 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. On April 16, 1991, he was arrested after a shoplifting spree at a pharmacy and a Bullock’s department store in Northridge, Los Angeles. He was released, with his television father Dick Van Patten paying his bail.

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.

In 2002, Rich was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

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

Death Rich died at his Los Angeles home on January 7, 2023, at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's autopsy report indicates Rich died from a fentanyl overdose.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes 1976 The Six Million Dollar Man Bob Episode: "A Bionic Christmas Carol" 1977 The City Donnie Collins Television film 1977–81 Eight Is Enough Nicholas Bradford Main cast (112 episodes) 1978 Fantasy Island Herbie Block Episode: "Instant Family" 1979 The Love Boat Brian Phillips Episode: "Oldies But Goodies" 1979 CHiPs Himself Episode: "Roller Disco: Part 2" 1979 Tukiki and His Search for a Merry Christmas Tukiki (voice) Television special 1980 3-2-1 Contact Nicholas Bradford Episode: "Crowded/Uncrowded: Human Crowding" 1981 The Devil and Max Devlin Toby Hart Feature film 1981–82 Code Red Danny Blake Main cast (13 episodes) 1982 CBS Children's Mystery Theatre Jeffrey Brenner Episode: "The Zertigo Diamond Caper" 1982 Fantasy Island Huck Finn Episode: "Natchez Bound" 1982 CHiPs Louis Hindall Episode: "Fallout" 1983 Gun Shy Clovis Episodes: "Reading, Writing and Robbing", "Mail Order Mommy" 1983–85 Dungeons & Dragons Presto, the Magician Voice role (27 episodes) 1986 St. Elsewhere Louis Appleton Episode: "Family Affair" 1986 Small Wonder Peter Watson Episode: "Chewed Out" 1986 Silver Spoons Scott Episode: "Rick Moves Out" 1987 Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion Nicholas Bradford Television film 1988 Small Wonder The Beast Episode: "The Gang's All Here" 1989 An Eight Is Enough Wedding Nicholas Bradford Television film 1993 Baywatch Ethan Episode: "Sky Rider" 2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Himself (cameo) Feature film (final role)