Adam Rich’s death shocked the world, including Willie Aames, his onscreen brother-turned-friend, who could not hold himself, as he reminisces their time together. Over three decades ago, ABC’s Eight Is Enough, which tailed after Tom Bradford’s family life with his eight independent children, was introduced to TV.
It featured the likes of Adam Rich, Willie Aames, Dianne Kay, Susan Richardson, Grant Goodeve, Laurie Walters, and Betty Buckley among others. Onscreen, the family learned to dwell in bliss, understanding and accepting each other’s peculiarities. Somehow, some cast members developed long-term friendships.
Tommy and Nicholas Bradford played by Willie Aames and Adam Rich were the memorable characters who established an enduring relationship offscreen. Sadly, Aames found out about Adam Rich’s death on Sunday, leaving him devastated while he dedicated a post recounting their friendship.
Willie Aames Says 'I'm Gutted' After Eight Is Enough Costar Adam Rich's Death: 'My Only Little Brother' https://t.co/2ZaxkIIZVH
— MSN Entertainment (@MSN_Entertain) January 9, 2023
Adam Rich’s Death Shocked Willie Aames
Almost immediately after catching up with the heartbreaking news of Adam Rich’s death, Aames poured out his love for his dear friend via a Facebook post. Aames shared throwback snaps of the deceased as a child and the young man who starred as Nicholas before expressing that he was “gutted” by the sad ending. The actor wrote:
“Adam was more than a colleague. He was very much my only little brother. A lifelong friend.”
Indeed these men were close, as the Frankenstein star confessed that his dear friend toyed with the thoughts of returning to the movies, following his career as a former child star. He admirably noted that Rich’s character influenced many fans that they named their kids “Nicolas,” in his honor.
Aames maintained that he would miss his former co-star, before concluding with “Rest ‘A.R.’ You were the cutest TV kid of them all.” Buckley also shared her tribute following Adam Rich’s death. The Eight Is Enough star who played Abby Bradford, remained friendly with him for many years.
She posted a throwback image featuring them, before describing him as “so sweet, funny, fresh, and natural.” He brought a lot of joy to all of us on the show and to our audiences.” The cause of Adam Rich’s death is yet to be stated, but a report from Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office noted he died at home. He was 54.