Lauren Chapin, Everett Collection
Everett Collection
Lauren Chapin, best known as the youngest daughter Kathy “Kitten” Anderson on the 1950s sitcom “Father Knows Best,” died in Miami Beach last month.
According to her official website “Lauren Knows Best,” the actress died Feb. 24 from cancer.
“From 1954 to 1960, Lauren brought warmth, innocence, humor, and authenticity to millions of homes,” begins the obituary. “As the youngest member of the Anderson family, her expressive face, honest curiosity, and unforgettable delivery made ‘Kitten’ one of television’s most cherished child characters. She represented the sweetness and sincerity of a generation and helped define the golden age of family television.”
It goes on to say that Chapin also faced personal struggles, such as addiction. Later, the mother of two became a born-again Christian and helped others overcome a variety of problems. She also joined the board of A Minor Consideration, a nonprofit working to protect child actors.
Despite Chapin’s icon status, her family says in a GoFundMe that they need fans to donate so they can have her ashes placed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, her “last wish.”
Lauren Chapin GoFundMe
“While Lauren’s work on the show brought joy to many, like many performers of her era she did not receive ongoing residual payments,” explains the fundraiser, which is attempting to reach $28,000. “As we plan a memorial worthy of her life and legacy, we are humbly asking for donations to help cover the costs.”
“She spent her life pouring into others and the Lord. That’s really her legacy,” GoFundMe organizer Priscilla Rahn told the Miami Herald on Tuesday. “Her life wasn’t just defined by the early part, even though it shaped who she was.”
Rahn, a longtime friend — Chapin officiated her 2014 wedding — reports the TV star had been living in Orlando for decades, but moved to Miami Beach in recent years to get treatment for lung cancer.
The Colorado resident adds that Chapin’s daughter Summer uprooted a life in L.A. to relocate to South Florida to be by her mom’s side: “She was a blessing.”
Contributors will receive a private invitation to attend the celebration of life, set for May 23, on what would have been Chapin’s 81st birthday.
This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM.
Madeleine Marr
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
