How did Adam Rich die? Former Eight Is Enough child star’s cause of death revealed

Adam Rich, popular child star from the sitcom 1977 Eight Is Enough, passed away on January 7, 2023. He was 54. The reason for his death was not known and had earlier been cited as an accident.

Now, The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner's office has revealed that Rich died due to the "effects of fentanyl". Rich was found dead in his home in Los Angeles on January 8.

Adam Rich was much loved for his role as Nicholas Bradford on the hit comedy-drama Eight Is Enough on ABC. Coincidentally, he was only eight when he was cast in the show. Rich played the youngest child of Tom Bradford (played by Dick Van Patten), who was a widower with eight children.


Eight Is Enough was based on the book of the same name by Tom Braden. The television series ran for five seasons, from 1977–1981.

Adam Rich was so popular on Eight Is Enough that he was nicknamed "America's Little Brother" during the show’s run.

Adam Rich also starred in TV on popular series like Baywatch, Small Wonder, animated series Dungeons & Dragons, and then Gun Shy, Code Red, and CHiPs.

The actor reprised his role from Eight Is Enough in two TV spin-off movies on the series, titled Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion (1987) and An Eight Is Enough Wedding (1989).

Adam Rich last appeared as himself in the film Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003), and also played Crocodile Dundee in a 2003 episode of Reel Comedy.

Rich's death was announced by his representative Danny Deraney in a statement on Twitter. He wrote: "Adam was simply a wonderful guy. He was kind, generous, and a warrior in the fight against mental illness. Adam did not have an ounce of ego. He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about. Which is why many people who grew up with him feel a part of their childhood gone, and sad today," he continued. "He really was America's Little Brother."

FAQs

Q1:How did Adam Rich die?
Former child actor Adam Rich died due to the effects of fentanyl, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office.

Q2:Who is America’s Little Brother?
Actor and former child star Adam Rich was considered ‘America’s Little Brother’ after his popular role in the 1977 sitcom Eight Is Enough on ABC.