Adam Rich passes away at 54

Adam Rich, the former child actor best known for his role in the hit television series 'Eight Is Enough', and who was so beloved that he was dubbed "America's little brother" in the media, died on January 7 at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 54.

Rich was born on October 12, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York and began acting as a child. He appeared in several TV shows and movies, including 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Love Boat.'

From 1977 to 1981, Rich starred as Nicholas Bradford, the youngest of eight children, on the hit television series 'Eight Is Enough.' The show aired on ABC for five seasons and dealt with family drama such as the death of a parent, remarriage, and tensions among siblings.

After 'Eight Is Enough' finished, Rich appeared in a number of other television shows and movies, including 'Fantasy Island,' 'CHiPs,' 'St. Elsewhere,' and 'Silver Spoons' but never reached the same level of fame.

Adam was troubled by drug use from a young age, having tried marijuana for the first time at just 14 years old, and by 1989 he almost died after taking a valium overdose.