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different strokes Child star Melanie Watson dies at 57.
The actor died Friday in Colorado Springs after being hospitalized recently for bleeding, her brother, Robert Watson, told reporters. TMZ. He said Watson’s condition deteriorated rapidly after being admitted to hospital.
She has osteogenesis imperfecta – also known as brittle bone disease — from the moment she was born and used a wheelchair.
Watson played Kathy Gordon, the best friend of lead character Arnold Jackson, in four episodes of the Norman Lear-produced sitcom. The classic series ran for eight seasons from 1978 to 1986, starring Todd Bridges and the late actor Gary Coleman.
Watson guest-starred on the show from 1981 to 1984, playing a role created specifically for her: an optimistic girl in a wheelchair. In real life, the late disability advocate used a wheelchair after the show because her osteoporosis made her prone to fractures and connective tissue problems.
Watson was discovered when she was 13 years old when a talent scout spotted her at the local YMCA. during an interview independent connection In 2020, she admitted that working was like a “pill” as a child, saying: “I was always playing with my yo-yo and listening to my Walkman.”
back different strokes After it ended, Watson retired from acting. She later founded Train Rite, an organization that trains shelter dogs to serve as service animals for people with disabilities. Watson also became CEO of another organization called Couiffie’s Ranch, which helps people with disabilities live more independently with the help of service animals.
Watson’s advocacy was highlighted when she was selected as a “Community Hero” in Los Angeles, which led to her carrying the 1996 Olympic torch alongside her service dog, Romo.
Watson was married to Roger Bernhardt from 1994 to 1996 and retained his surname throughout his life.
After news of the actor’s death broke, tributes poured in to her online, including from Todd Bridges, who was the show’s only main cast member. different strokes Who is still alive. Bridges honors his former costar with post TMZ He reported her death on his Instagram account.
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One X user mourned: “So sad to hear this. Melanie and I worked together different strokeswe have stayed in touch through social media over the years. I am very sad about this loss. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who loved her. rest in peace. ”
Another fan wrote: “Oh this is so sad – this was my childhood!” Someone added: “May she rest in peace. She was an inspiration to many disabled people, including me.”