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How did Adam Rich die? Star, 54, played youngest family member in 'Eight Is Enough'

Adam Rich starred as a child in '70s popular sitcom 'Eight is Enough'

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: American actor Adam Rich, who starred as the youngest family member on the popular series 'Eight Is Enough,' was found dead at the age of 54 by the police authorities when they reached his home. Rich worked in a number of projects throughout his career that kicked off after he was cast in the late 1970s ABC sitcom, as Nicholas Bradford, when he was just 8. 

Rich's family members did not disclose his cause of death but police said that no foul play was involved. The series, which aired for a total of 5 seasons, followed the premise of, "a family with eight very independent children." He additionally made appearances in Code Red following the show which lasted for one season. Rich was also a voice actor for 'Dungeons And Dragons' and worked in the film, 'The City.' 

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However, the upcoming star opted for a more private life and thus made the decision to step away from Hollywood and the entertainment industry in the '80s to stay out of the limelight. Born in 1968, Rich lived most of his life in Los Angeles. His career changed when he began learning from a drama teacher at Chatsworth High School, who had also taught talented stars such as Top Gun alum, Val Kilmer. One of the actor's last credits included the 2003 comedy, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, where he played himself in the film. 

According to the reports of TV Line, Rich was arrested in 1991 for breaking a pharmacy window in order to steal drugs. He was reportedly linked to substance abuse during that time. Dick Van Patten, who played the role of his father Tom Bradford, in Eight Is Enough, had bailed him out following the arrest. The late actor had checked himself into a drug rehabilitation program in the following year. 

CBS News reported that Rich was later reportedly arrested in 2002 for a DUI, but denied the charges. "I've been sober for 10 years," he had stated at the time, according to Daily Mail. He tried marijuana when he was only 14 years old and later dropped out of high school when he was 17. The Mirror reported that the former child star was part of a 'death hoax' in 1996 which involved the San Francisco magazine titled, Might, publishing a story, with his consent, that he had been murdered. 

'RIP Adam Rich'

Fans of Rich also paid their condolences and expressed their sadness after the news of his death broke out. One fan had penned in a tweet, "I was a big, no, huge fan of #EightIsEnough This is heartbreaking. #RIP #AdamRich." Adam Baldwin, known for starring in the series Chuck and the film Full Metal Jacket, wrote, "R.I.P Adam Rich." American filmmaker and actor Jay Duplass wrote, "they don't make em like they used to RIP Adam Rich", along with a black heart emoji and a throwback photo of the late actor as a child. Another social media user typed out, "Very sad to hear about Adam Rich passing. He was a welcomed guest in my home every week when I was growing up. My condolences to his loved ones. Rest in Power." American actor, Tom Bridges wrote, "ADAM RICH. RIP MY FRIEND YOU WILL BE MISSED." 

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