Actress Melanie Watson, known for her role as Kathy Gordon on the beloved television series Diff’rent Strokes, has died at age 57, her brother, Robert Watson, has confirmed. She was born wth brittle bone disorder.
The brother of Melanie Watson confirmed to Forbes on Friday, December 26, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, that she had passed. She was 57. Robert Watson confirmed she had been hospitalized before her death.
Watson, born in July 1968 in Dana Point, California, was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disorder, at birth. It’s a genetic illness that leads to weak bones, which are related to complications such as short stature, fractures, and bone deformities.
Despite her condition, Melanie Watson decided to pursue acting at a young age. She became best known for her recurring role as Kathy Gordon on the beloved television sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, which also starred Todd Bridges and the late Gary Coleman.
Melanie Watson from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ dead at 57
Melanie Watson appeared in four episodes across seasons 3 through 6, from 1981 to 1984. But while Melanie did the role bravely, everything was’ excellent. The actress, who used a wheelchair in the series, played a role specifically written for her.
But in one episode, she was encouraged to walk on crutches even though she didn’t want to. In 2020, in an interview with Indiewire, Melanie reflected on her time on Diff’rent Strokes.
“I did not want to do that,” she told the outlet, adding that she feared walking because of a fall years earlier. “I can remember saying, ‘This is somebody else’s dream.’ But they explained to me this was the premise of the episode.”
Melanie recalled her mother telling her to remain quiet and do the scene, which she did in the end.
“I’m proud of Norman [Lear] for going against the norm and doing something,” Watson said. She stated that her presence was widely noted for authentically representing a young person with a disability, especially in a. time when it was rare on television.
“I didn’t realize what a gift it was to be the first one out there. If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed in the business.”
Rest in peace, Melanie Watson.