Melanie Watson’s death: everything we know so far about the ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ actress

Melanie Watson, best known for her role on the US sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, has died at the age of 57.

Her brother, Robert Watson, told US media that the actress died on Friday in Colorado Springs. She had been hospitalised after suffering complications linked to internal bleeding and her condition deteriorated rapidly.

Watson was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to fracture easily. Her brother said doctors did everything possible to help her, adding that she had already lived longer than many people with the condition.

Fans of classic television will remember Watson as Kathy Gordon on Diff’rent Strokes. She appeared in four episodes of the long running sitcom, which aired a total of 189 episodes.

One of her most notable appearances came in a 1982 episode titled after her character. The storyline saw Kathy clash with Arnold, played by Gary Coleman, after he attempted to persuade her to walk without crutches.

Watson retired from acting after Diff’rent Strokes ended. She later married Roger Bernhardt, with the couple divorcing in 1996.

She was also reportedly involved in founding the charity Train Rite, which focuses on training dogs to work as service animals.

Watson was 57.