I started running away when I was five years old. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized what I really wanted was somebody to come after me when I was running away.

In 1971 he originated the role of Leonard Unger the son of Felix Unger (Tony Randall) on the ABC-TV series The Odd Couple a part that was later played by Leif Garrett. After the series ended in 1981 Aames appeared in more film roles including Zapped! opposite Scott Baio and Paradise with Phoebe Cates. In 1974 he portrayed a 12-year old Benjamin Franklin in the miniseries Benjamin Franklin.

Aames is well known for playing Tommy Bradford on the 1970s television series Eight Is Enough Buddy Lembeck on the 1980s series Charles in Charge and Bibleman.