Adam Rich, the child actor who starred in the seventies television drama-comedy Eight Is Enough was found dead at the age of 54. According to his Family, he died Thursday (Jan. 5) at his Los Angeles Area home.
Adam played Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on “Eight Is Enough,” which aired on ABC from 1977-1981. Set in Sacramento, the series, based on a memoir by Tom Braden followed the life of the Bradford family, and depicted real life issues and experiences.
Despite enjoying early success, Rich was not a fan of the celebrity lifestyle, and often shied away from the spotlight. According to reports, he began drinking and experimenting with drugs at the tender age of 13, which took a toll on his career. As reported by People magazine, Rich dropped out of Chatsworth High School in California, in 1986, where he had studied acting, and was no longer accepting job offers.
His addiction eventually led to his arrest in 1991 after he smashed a pharmacy window with a tire iron in an effort to steal morphine. He was later bailed by his TV father on Eight Is Enough, Mr. Dick Van Patten, but would be arrested less than 24-hours later for shoplifting.
Throughout the years, he battled with a serious case of depression, and as a result spent a lot of time in rehab. Prior to his passing, Adam was showing signs of getting his life back together, and was sharing commentaries about mental health on Twitter.
How Did Adam Rich Die? Cause Of Death Explained
Adam Rich’s cause of death is likely a result of overdose, TMZ reports. Law enforcement officials believe the child TV star was long deceased before the manager at his L.A. area apartment building found his body in the bathroom on January 5. Sources tell TMZ there was a white powdery substance found on the scene, which cops believe to be drugs due to Adam’s past struggles with substance abuse.
Though investigators suspect he OD’d, an official cause of death will not be known until an autopsy is conducted.
