Melanie Watson, best known for role in ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, passes away at 57

Former child star Melanie Watson has sadly passed away. She was 57 years old.

The actress, best known for her role as Kathy Gordon in ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, which was one of the most popular sitcoms in the '80s, reportedly passed away on December 26, TMZ reported. Her brother, Robert Watson, shared the update with the news outlet, citing that she had to be admitted after her health suddenly deteriorated. She had been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, since birth, and at the time of her demise, had been facing bleeding issues.

Robert shared that his sister’s passing was emotional for him; however, he was grateful that she had lived such a full and long life.

All about Melanie Watson

Melanie Watson was born on July 20, 1968, in Dana, California. She married Robert Bernhardt in 1994; however, their marriage only lasted for 2 years, after which they got divorced. The actress never married again.

She began her career as a child star and appeared on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. Watson went on to work as a social worker and started an organisation that aims to train shelter and rescue dogs to help disabled people. Watson used a wheelchair most of her life because of her condition.

What is brittle bone disease?

Watson had been diagnosed with brittle bone disease ever since she was born, which stunted her growth and caused a lot of issues with her health. As per the Cleveland Clinic, brittle bone disease is “a genetic disease that makes your bones thin and brittle. People with osteogenesis imperfecta break bones easily, with little or no force, causing the break. It can also cause a curved spine, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and other issues. The most common type causes mild symptoms.”

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