Melanie Watson, who starred in 1980s show Diff’rent Strokes, has died at the age of 57

Melanie Watson, who starred in 1980s show Diff’rent Strokes, has di3d at the age of 57. The actress was best known for playing Arnold’s friend Kathy on the 1980s TV show.

It has been reported that the actress di3d on Boxing Day (Friday) in Colorado Springs. Her brother Robert confirmed that she had di3d just days ago after a stint in hospital, where she had quickly deteriorated.

Robert said that his sister had been bleeding and doctors had tried to help her. Sadly, they were not able to do anymore for her and she di3d on December 26 at the age of 57.

Away from fame, Melanie retired following the end of Diff’rent Strokes and went on to marry a man called Roger Bernhardt between 1994 and 1996. Before her death, she was a co-founder of the charity Train Rite, which trains service animals.

Melanie starred as Kathy alongside Gary Coleman in Diff'rent Strokes
Melanie starred as Kathy alongside Gary Coleman in Diff’rent Strokes ( 
Image:
NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Melanie was diagnosed with a health condition called osteogenesis imperfecta at a young age. Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle bone disease, and is a genetic disorder, where collagen, which is the protein responsible for bone structure, is missing or reduced in quality, meaning the bones are weak and can easily fracture.

Fans will remember her iconic line to Arnold, who had been moping about his height. When he said that he had forgot she was handicapped, she quipped back: “I’m not handicapped, I’m handicapable!”

Fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to Melanie, with one writing: “This is crazy. I just saw something about her last week. RIP!” A second added: “She brought so much joy to me in my childhood, a wonderful spirit! God bless her.”

“Aw that sucks, i just thought about her recently,” a third said, with a fourth adding: “Omg I liked her remember her bsck in the day. So sad r.i.p.” A fifth wrote: “This is so sad, she was such a part of my childhood.”

During the 1982 series of the show, Kathy and Arnold clashed over his attempt to try and get her to walk without crutches. It was a special episode, which sparked national conversation.