Hollywood actor Adam Rich is dead at age 54.
Rich reportedly died at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. He was best known for his child acting role as Nicholas Bradford on the “Eight is Enough” TV show starring actor Dick Van Patten that began in 1977.
Danny Deraney, Rich’s Hollywood representative, released a statement announcing the actor’s death.
“Adam was simply a wonderful guy,” Deaney said. “He was kind, generous and a warrior in the fight against mental illness.”
“Adam did not have an ounce of ego,” the tribute continued. “He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about, which is why many people who grew up with him feel like part of their childhood gone, and sad today. He really was America’s little brother.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the celebrity death. Police say no foul play was involved in Rich’s death.
Rich’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Besides starring in five seasons of ABC’s “Eight is Enough,” Rich was a Hollywood actor for nearly 30 years.
Rich first appeared in the 1970s action television series “The Six Million Dollar Man.” He also appeared on “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “CHiPs,” “The City,” “Small Wonder,” “3-2-1,” “The Devil and Max Devlin,” “Gun Shy,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Silver Spoons,” and a voice role in the animated series “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Rich, born in Brooklyn on Oct. 12, 1968, appeared in a 1993 episode of “Baywatch.”
Rich’s last significant role was playing himself in the 2003 David Spade comedy movie “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.”
Rich nearly died from a valium overdose in 1989, according to Variety.
In 1991, he was arrested and charged with attempted burglary of a pharmacy in the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. “Eight is Enough” co-star Dick Van Patten bailed Rich out of jail.
Rich spent three years in rehab before being arrested in 2002 for driving under the influence.
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