Adam Rich's Net Worth Was Low for a Former Child Actor — What Happened to Him?

Adam Rich, the former child television actor from the sitcom Eight Is Enough, died at his home on Jan. 7, 2023. He had charmed American audiences by playing the youngest brother Nicholas on the series about a widowed father of eight children. What happened to Adam Rich after his famous childhood, and how much was Rich's net worth at the time of his death?

The boys who got Rich's signature bowl haircut in the 1970s and 1980s were often said to be inspired by the character Nick Bradford's look on Eight Is Enough. Rich went on to appear in a number of other TV shows, although none with the star power of that first TV sitcom.

Here's how much Rich had left to his name at his time of passing, plus details on his cause of death.

Rich experienced success at a young age, beginning his role on Eight Is Enough at eight years old. The show ran for five seasons, and Rich became synonymous for his haircut and his "little brother" status. He had one brother and was raised by Jewish parents in Los Angeles.

Eight Is Enough was Rich's longest-running television role. He then was in Code Red briefly in 1981, followed by Gun Shy in 1983. Some of the other guest TV appearances he made were on shows including:

• The Love Boat
• CHiPs
• Fantasy Island
• The Six Million Dollar Man
• St. Elsewhere
• Baywatch

Rich's filmography was limited to The City, The Devil and Max Devlin, and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, as well as two Eight Is Enough TV films.

Rich led a troubled life not unlike many other child stars. He faced a number of drug and alcohol issues and legal issues. As AP News reported, he was arrested in April 1991 after an attempted pharmacy break-in, then in October 1991 for stealing a drug-filled syringe. He was arrested in 2002 for driving under the influence (he almost struck a parked California Highway Patrol cruiser).

As an adult, Rich talked openly about his mental health struggles, including depression and his multiple stints in drug and alcohol rehab treatment. In September 2022, he posted on Twitter, "Human beings weren't meant to endure mental illness." In December, after tWitch Boss died by suicide, he voiced support for those facing mental illness again.

Sadly, Rich's life was cut short in January 2023. It's believed his death was caused by an overdose, per TMZ. Police reportedly found an unresponsive Rich in his bathroom while performing a welfare check.

Although this time his death is confirmed true, Rich participated in the 1996 media hoax claiming that he had died. San Francisco-based magazine Might published a tribute to Rich after his supposed death.

Rich told the media later that it was a joke, intended to mock America's celebrity obsession. He told the Chicago Tribune, "People were not getting the joke. I don't want to be dead."

Although Rich enjoyed several years of fame on Eight Is Enough, his acting career didn't bring him immense wealth, as his net worth was estimated to be $500,000 upon his death. He didn't publicly flaunt any expensive cars, homes, or artwork as part of his assets, either. His Facebook page is crowded primarily with dog photos and commentary on current events.