Back in the late '70s, ABC aired a show that captured the hearts of millions. Eight Is Enough took viewers into the lives of the Bradford family, a household of eight kids navigating life after losing their mom, Joan Wells Bradford. Adam Rich, with his signature pageboy haircut and undeniable charm, played Nicholas Bradford, the youngest of the brood. Adam became a household name almost overnight. Let me tell you more about what happened to this former child star before his untimely passing at just 54 years old.

From Stardom to Struggles: Adam Rich's Journey After 'Eight Is Enough'

For five seasons, Adam Rich lit up the screen with his youthful energy and charm. At just 9 years old, Adam landed the role that would define his childhood, and it wasn't his first rodeo. Before Eight Is Enough, he appeared on shows like The Six Million Dollar Man and The Love Boat. Quickly, Adam became one of the most recognizable child actors on TV. But as we all know, life doesn't always follow the script. After the show ended, Adam faced some tough times. In 1991, he was arrested for breaking into a Los Angeles pharmacy to steal painkillers. Thankfully, his co-star Dick Van Patten was there for him, bailing him out of jail. Adam pleaded no contest to felony burglary and drug charges and completed a drug rehabilitation program in 1992. Life threw another curveball in 2002 when Adam was arrested for driving under the influence and being under the influence of a substance without a prescription. He pleaded no contest again and was sentenced to three years of probation, along with attending an alcohol and drug education program.

Nicholas From 'Eight Is Enough': What Happened to Adam Rich? — Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Adam Rich's Acting Career After 'Eight Is Enough'

While Adam Rich's time in the spotlight was marked by highs and lows, his career didn't stop after Eight Is Enough. He went on to appear in several other TV shows, including Code Red, Dungeons & Dragons, St. Elsewhere, and Small Wonder. Fans were thrilled when he reprised his role as Nicholas in the 1987 TV movie Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion and again in 1989's An Eight Is Enough Wedding. His final acting credit was in the 2003 TV series Reel Comedy, according to IMDb. In 2019, Adam made a rare public appearance alongside his Eight Is Enough castmates at the opening night of Hello, Dolly! in Los Angeles. It was a heartwarming moment, honoring the memory of their late co-star Dick Van Patten.