Melanie Watson, best known for her role in Diff’rent Strokes, has died at the age of 57, as per the latest reports. Reports state that Watson passed away in Colorado Springs following a recent hospitalization for bleeding. There have not been a lot of details about the actress’s death.

Melanie Watson passes away in Colorado Springs after recent hospitalization

Melanie Watson died on Friday in Colorado Springs following a recent hospitalization for bleeding, as per her brother (via TMZ). She suffered from osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, a disease in which a person’s bones fracture easily. She had been hospitalized after some bleeding issues, but her condition deteriorated quickly.

Born July 20, 1968, in Dana Point, California, Watson suffered from the disease for all her life. From 1981 to 1984, she appeared as Kathy Gordon on Diff’rent Strokes. Her character was an upbeat child in a wheelchair, helping Arnold come to terms with the fact that he would not grow any taller than five feet.

She appeared on four episodes from Seasons 3 through 6. Despite her relatively small role, she left quite an impression on her fans, who paid tribute to her on her death. TMZ’s X post announcing Watson’s death received many comments from fans and co-workers.

“Oh, that so sad – that’s my childhood!,” one user wrote, while another wrote, “So sad to hear this. Melanie and I worked together on Diff’rent Strokes, and we stayed in touch through social media over the years. I’m truly saddened by this loss. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace.”

Following her retirement from acting, Melanie Watson co-founded the nonprofit Train Rite, which helped train shelter dogs as service animals. She has also reportedly served as CEO of Couiffie’s Ranch, which empowers people with disabilities to live more independently.