Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 12 hours ago

Melanie Watson, ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Actress And Disability Advocate, Dies At 57

On Friday, Melanie Watson Bernhardt died in Colorado Springs at 57 after being hospitalized for bleeding, her brother Robert Watson told TMZ.
Bernhardt was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder causing fragile bones, and her brother Robert Watson said she was fortunate to live as long as she did.
Best known for playing Kathy Gordon on Diff'rent Strokes, Bernhardt appeared in four episodes as a wheelchair-using friend of Arnold, including a notable 1982 clash episode.
She left show business and focused on disability services through Train Rite, charity that trains shelter dogs for the disabled, co-founding and leading it as executive director after retiring.
The show's troubled post-run history resurfaced alongside tributes recalling Gary Coleman and Dana Plato's deaths and Todd Bridges' struggles.

Insights by Ground AI

54 Articles

Hastings Tribune

+9 Reposted by 9 other sources

Center

Actress Melanie Watson of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ dies at age 57

NEW YORK — Actress Melanie Watson, who made a mark as Kathy Gordon in the 1970s-’80s sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” has died. She was 57.

1 day ago

Read Full Article

Toronto Sun

Right

'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson dead at 57

Melanie Watson Bernhardt, an actress who is best known for playing Kathy Gordon on Diff'rent Strokes, has died at the age of 57.

1 day ago·Toronto, Canada

Read Full Article

Breitbart

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Right

Melanie Watson Bernhardt, ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star Dies at 57

Actress Melanie Watson Bernhardt, best known for playing the character Kathy Gordon on the hit 80s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, died on Friday. She was 57.

1 day ago·United States

Read Full Article