I didn't become an actor because I wanted to act. Actually, I wanted to become a marine biologist. But most of all, I wanted to be accepted.

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.