Adam RichPhoto: Stephen Shugerman (Getty Images)
Adam Rich, the former child star who played youngest brother Nicholas Bradford on the ’70s sitcom Eight Is Enough, died at his home on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. He was 54 years old.
Best known for his role on ABC’s Eight Is Enough, Rich also appeared in other television series throughout the ’80s and ’90s, including The Love Boat, The Six Million Dollar Man, St. Elsewhere and Baywatch. His last major role came in 2003 when he played himself in the David Spade comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.
Rich suffered from addiction issues that contributed to legal troubles over the years, including a 1991 arrest for attempting to break into a pharmacy, according to the AP. He spoke openly about his experiences with mental illness; Publicist Danny Deraney told the outlet that the actor’s depression “defeated treatment.”
“Adam was just a wonderful guy. He was kind, generous and a warrior in the fight against mental illness,” Deraney shared in a statement posted to Twitter. “Adam didn’t have an ounce of ego. He was selfless and always looked out for those he cared about. That’s why many people who grew up with him feel a piece of their childhood is lost and are sad today. He really was America’s little brother.”
Rich’s TV brother Willie Aames posted his own reminiscence on Facebook (per People), writing: “This morning [my wife] Winnie woke me up with the heartbreaking news of Adam Rich’s death. I’m burned out Adam was more than a colleague. He was pretty much my only little brother. A lifelong friend.”
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“In recent years, Adam dreamed of renewing his career. He was one of those child actors that our generation will always remember. I can’t tell you how many parents have told me they named their first child ‘Nicolas’ after his ‘Eight is Enough’ character,” Aames wrote. “The dwindling brotherhood of children raised in the golden years of family television has lost another of our own. I will miss him very much. Rest ‘AR’ You were the cutest TV kid of all.”
Betty Buckley, who played the Bradfords’ stepmother in Eight Is Enough, also posted a tribute to her co-star. “Adam Rich was a light and my young pal for the four seasons that I was blessed to work with him on ‘Eight is Enough.’ I adored him and loved working with him in our shared scenes on the show. He was so sweet, funny, fresh and natural,” she shared in an Instagram post.
“He brought a lot of joy to all of us on the show and to our audience,” Buckley continued. “Adam and I have remained friends through the years. His love and support have always meant a lot to me. I am devastated by the news I received this morning of his death. I send my love and deepest condolences to his friends and family. In recent years, Adam has devoted himself to inspiring others with mental and emotional illnesses. I will miss him very much.”