Melanie Watson, known for her role as Kathy Gordon on “Diff’rent Strokes,” has died. She was 57.
The actress died Dec. 26 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, according to TMZ. She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder known as brittle bone disease, and used her work in Hollywood to advocate for people with disabilities.
She used a wheelchair throughout her life.
Watson became known to audiences for her portrayal of Kathy Gordon on “Diff’rent Strokes,” a friend of main character Arnold Jackson, portrayed by Gary Coleman.
She appeared in four episodes of the long-running sitcom between 1981 and 1984.
When she appeared on “Diff’rent Strokes,” it was rare to see disabled people portrayed on screen.
“I didn’t realize what a gift it was to be the first one out there,” Watson told IndieWire in 2020.
Watson co-founded Train Rite, a nonprofit that trains shelter dogs to serve as assistance animals for people with physical challenges.
