Melanie Watson, known for a role on Diff’rent Strokes, has passed away at the age of 57.
The star died on Friday in Colorado Springs, as confirmed by local media outlets. Her brother, Robert Watson, explained to the outlet that she had been hospitalized and her condition was deteriorating.
The former child star was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and therefore had to use a wheelchair for her mobility. The genetic disorder meant she had brittle bone syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder that makes the bones very fragile.
Melanie appeared in four episodes of Diff’rent Strokes. Her character was introduced in the third season of the show and had some very standout performances in the 1982 episode Kathy and the 1984 Kathy’s Olympics. She also founded the organization Train Rite, which shelters dogs and assists people who are disabled.
