Adam Rich, Child Actor of ‘Eight is Enough’, Passes Away at 52

Adam Rich, the child actor who charmed TV audiences in the late 1970s as “America’s little brother” on “Eight is Enough,” has died at the age of 52.

Rich was best known for his role as Nicholas Bradford, the youngest of eight children, on the ABC hit dramedy that ran from 1977 to 1981. He had a limited acting career after the show ended, and had several run-ins with police related to drugs and alcohol. He sought treatment at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage.

Rich died Saturday at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, said Lt. Aimee Earl of the Los Angeles County Medical-Examiner Coroner’s office. The cause of death was under investigation but was not considered to be suspicious.

Rich’s publicist released a statement Sunday, saying that Rich had suffered from a type of depression that defied treatment and he had been in and out of hospitals for the past few years.

“Adam was a kind and gentle soul who was generous to a fault,” the statement said. “He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed.”

Rich’s death has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and friends alike. Many have taken to social media to share their memories of him and express their condolences.