Melanie Watson, a former child star from the beloved series Diff’rent Strokes, has passed away at 57 due to severe health issues encountered during her hospital stay, as reported by TMZ.

Watson gained fame for her role as a friend to Arnold Jackson, portrayed by the late Gary Coleman, on the popular 1980s sitcom. She died on December 26 in Colorado Springs.

Her brother, Robert Watson, informed the publication that Melanie was hospitalized following incidents of internal bleeding, which contributed to her untimely demise.

He noted that despite the medical team’s diligent efforts to stabilize her condition, it deteriorated swiftly.

Robert emphasized that the hospital staff exhausted all possible measures in their attempts to save her life.

Watson, who was born in Dana Point, California, lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes extremely fragile bones and frequent fractures.

Former Diff’rent Strokes child star Melanie Watson has died at the age of 57 after suffering serious health complications while hospitalized, according to a report by TMZ; seen in 1996

Her brother explained that the condition posed lifelong health challenges and said doctors had often remarked that it was remarkable she lived as long as she did.

Robert also told TMZ that Melanie was fortunate to have lived the life she had and he would think of his sister ‘a great deal.’ 

She was also instrumental in establishing Train Rite, an organization focused on training sheltered canines to help people with disabilities.

Watson appeared on Diff’rent Strokes during its peak popularity in the early 1980s, leaving a lasting impression on fans of the beloved sitcom. 

She played Kathy Gordon, Arnold Drummond (Gary Coleman)’s friend with osteogenesis imperfecta. 

She appeared in four seasons of the show, spanning from 1981 until 1986. 

They included 1981’s Count Your Blessings; 1982’s Kathy; 1983’s Hall Monitor; and 1984’s Kathy’s Olympics, an episode focused on her character. 

News of her death led to a number of X users posting memorials and remembering the legacy she left with her work in front of the camera and beyond.

Watson, who was best known for playing Arnold Jackson’s friend Kathy on the iconic 1980s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, passed away on December 26 in Colorado Springs (pictured in 1980)

Watson appeared on Diff’rent Strokes during its peak popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s; seen with her costar Gary Coleman

‘I’m sad to learn of Melanie’s passing,’ one user said. ‘She truly paved the for disabled actors to be given a shot in the business.’

Another remembered a personal connection they had with the actress-activist. 

‘In the late 70s, my Sisters went to school with Melanie and became close friends with her for a brief time before life created new paths for our families,’ the user said. ‘Our family followed her career, and we are very saddened to hear this.’

Watson also had a foray into politics, as she past ran for a city council seat in Colorado, posting a video to YouTube in 2017 which she explained her fundamental political beliefs.

‘If you’re wondering exactly what I stand for, I stand for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights … you have the right to life,’ Watson said. ‘Life means clean air, clean water, affordable utilities, safety, and proper shelter – you have the right to live a life of quality and well-being.’

She continued, ‘Liberty – the definition is a state of being within society, from oppressive restrictions, imposed by authority on one’s real life, behavior, or political views.’

Watson said, ‘You are free to choose how you live life, and no one person should be able to ever take that from you.

‘You should be able to pursue happiness – this means you should be able to live your life without undue stress – every morning you wake up, happiness should wrap its arms around you.

Fans on X mourned the late actress and reflected on her opening doors for disabled performers 

‘As you make your way through the day, you should be able to prosper and grow. As long as you are not imposing your personal choices on others, or causing harm, you have the right to pursue your happiness by any means possible.’

Watson is the latest cast member from the sitcom to pass away, as a number of her costars have met tragic ends since the show went off the air.

Coleman died at 42 on May 28, 2010 at Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital after a fall at his Utah home led to a brain hemorrhage. 

Dana Plato, who played Kimberly Drummond, died at 34 from a drug overdose on May 8, 1999. 

Plato’s tragic passing came a day after an appearance on the Howard Stern Show, in which a number of Stern’s callers humiliated her with nasty insults, while the shock jock’s staffers tried to cajole her into taking a drug test. 

Plato’s son Tyler Lambert tragically took his own life at 25 on May 6, 2010.

Actor Conrad Bain, who played family patriarch Phillip Drummond died at the age of 89 on January 14, 2013.