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Lauren Chapin, the beloved former child star of the iconic TV series Father Knows Best, has passed away at the age of 80 after battling cancer for five years. Her life was one of both Hollywood triumph and personal healing.
Who Was Lauren Chapin on Father Knows Best?
Chapin was best known for her role as Kathy “Kitten” Anderson, the youngest child in the cherished sitcom Father Knows Best, which aired from 1954 to 1960. Her portrayal of the endearing and spirited Kathy, complete with her signature pigtails, won the hearts of audiences across the nation.
During the show’s run, Chapin appeared in 196 out of 203 episodes and was honored with five Junior Emmy Awards for Best Child Actress. She landed the role at the age of nine, standing out among many hopefuls, thanks in part to her resemblance to Robert Young’s real-life daughter.
Her passing was confirmed by her son, Matthew, who shared the news on Facebook, saying, “After a long hard-fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come.”
Lauren Chapin died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in a Miami, Florida hospital. In her later years, she dedicated herself to ministry work and assisting those struggling with addiction, a testament to her journey of recovery and giving back.
How Did Lauren Chapin Die After Cancer Battle?
Lauren Chapin passed away after a five-year cancer battle. Her son Matthew announced her death on Facebook, stating that “after a long hard fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come.”
She died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in a hospital in Miami, Florida. Her later years were markedly different from her earlier challenges, as she devoted herself to ministry and helping individuals recover from addiction.
When Did Lauren Chapin Pass Away at Age 80?
Lauren Chapin died on February 24, 2026, just shy of her 81st birthday, which would have been on May 23. Her son Matthew shared the news on Facebook, expressing his feeling of being “at a complete loss for words” and requesting prayers for his sister and family.
Her death followed several decades of significant personal transformation, evolving from a troubled child star into an ordained minister and advocate for at-risk performers.
What Role Did Lauren Chapin Play as Kitten?
Lauren Chapin’s character Kathy Anderson, affectionately called “Kitten” by her TV father, was a cheerful, tomboyish girl who held unwavering trust in her on-screen parents.
This role established her as one of the most recognizable child actors of the 1950s, placing her alongside Jerry Mathers and Jon Provost. The wholesome depiction of her character starkly contrasted with Chapin’s real-life adversities, a reality she addressed candidly in interviews and her autobiography.
Lauren Chapin Family Announces Death Details
Following her death, her son Matthew confirmed on Facebook that she succumbed to cancer after a five-year fight. She is survived by her daughter Summer Healy-Chapin, a Latin pop singer and former actress, along with her son Matthew.
Her brother Michael Chapin also survives her, while her brother Billy Chapin passed away in 2016. A tribute on her website honored her as “the bright-eyed child actress who captured America’s heart,” who later “turned her experiences into hope for others.”
Was Lauren Chapin Still Acting Before Death?
In her later years, Lauren Chapin returned to acting, featuring in eight episodes of the PBS children’s series School Bus Diaries from 2016 to 2017, where she played Mama Bev. Prior to this, she had taken a 16-year hiatus from acting after Father Knows Best, returning only for two reunion TV movies in 1977.
In addition to her acting career, she worked as a talent manager, helping to kick-start Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career, taught natural childbirth, and served on the board of A Minor Consideration, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of child actors.