Former child actress Melanie Watson has died. She was 57 years old. Her brother, Robert Watson, shared the news with TMZ on December 28. He said she passed away two days earlier in a hospital. She died from complications related to bleeding issues.
Melanie was born with a genetic condition. It is called osteogenesis imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease. This made her bones very fragile. It required her to use a wheelchair for much of her life.
Was Melanie Watson Married?
Yes, Melanie Watson was married. She married a man named Robert Bernhardt in 1994. Their marriage lasted for two years. They divorced in 1996. Her full name following her marriage was Melanie Watson Bernhardt.
Her Role on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’
Melanie is best known for her role on the classic TV show Diff’rent Strokes. She played a character named Kathy Gordon. She appeared in four episodes during the show’s fourth season. One famous episode was called “Kathy’s Olympics.”
In interviews, Melanie was honest about her time on set. She told Indie Wire she was “a pill” as a child actor. She said she would play with her yo-yo and listen to her Walkman. She also had to be carried around the set because she did not use a wheelchair at that time.
She was initially reluctant to return for another episode. The script required her to use crutches. She had suffered a bad fall before and was afraid. Her mother persuaded her to take the role.
Looking back, she was grateful. She thanked producer Norman Lear for “going against the norm.” She said she didn’t realize it was a gift to be a pioneer on TV. She later said if she could do it over, she would have stayed in the acting business.
Her Work and Legacy
After her acting career, Melanie founded an organization called Train Rite. This group trained service dogs to help people with disabilities. She dedicated herself to this cause.
Her brother Robert confirmed her passing. The family is mourning the loss. Melanie Watson is remembered as a former child star and an advocate for the disability community.