Former Diff’rent Strokes child star Melanie Watson has died at the age of 57 after suffering serious health complications while hospitalized, according to a report by TMZ.
Watson, who was best known for playing the friend of Arnold Jackson (played by the late Gary Coleman) on the iconic 1980s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, passed away on December 26 in Colorado Springs.
Her brother Robert Watson confirmed to the outlet that his sister had been admitted to the hospital after experiencing internal bleeding prior to her death.
He explained her condition rapidly worsened despite doctors’ efforts to stabilize her.
Robert told the outlet that medical staff at the facility did everything they could to save her.
Watson, who was born in Dana Point, California, lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes extremely fragile bones and frequent fractures.
Former Diff’rent Strokes child star Melanie Watson has died at the age of 57 after suffering serious health complications while hospitalized, according to a report by TMZ; seen in 1996
Her brother explained that the condition posed lifelong health challenges and said doctors had often remarked that it was remarkable she lived as long as she did.
Robert also told TMZ that Melanie was fortunate to have lived the life she had and he would think of his sister ‘a great deal.’
Watson appeared on Diff’rent Strokes during its peak popularity in the early 1980s, leaving a lasting impression on fans of the beloved sitcom.
She played Kathy Gordon, Arnold Drummond (Gary Coleman)’s friend with osteogenesis imperfecta.
She appeared in four seasons of the show, spanning from 1981 until 1986.
They included 1981’s Count Your Blessings; 1982’s Kathy; 1983’s Hall Monitor; and 1984’s Kathy’s Olympics, an episode focused on her character.
News of her death led to a number of X users posting memorials and remembering the legacy she left with her work in front of the camera and beyond.
‘I’m sad to learn of Melanie’s passing,’ one user said. ‘She truly paved the for disabled actors to be given a shot in the business.’
Watson, who was best known for playing Arnold Jackson’s friend Kathy on the iconic 1980s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, passed away on December 26 in Colorado Springs (pictured in 1980)
Watson appeared on Diff’rent Strokes during its peak popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s; seen with her costar Gary Coleman
Fans on X mourned the late actress and reflected on her opening doors for disabled performers
Another remembered a personal connection they had with the actress-activist.
‘In the late 70s, my Sisters went to school with Melanie and became close friends with her for a brief time before life created new paths for our families,’ the user said. ‘Our family followed her career, and we are very saddened to hear this.’
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