Melanie Watson, known as Kathy from ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ dies at 57

Melanie Watson from ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ dead at 57

Melanie Watson appeared in four episodes across seasons 3 through 6, from 1981 to 1984. But while Melanie did the role bravely, everything was’ excellent. The actress, who used a wheelchair in the series, played a role specifically written for her.

But in one episode, she was encouraged to walk on crutches even though she didn’t want to. In 2020, in an interview with Indiewire, Melanie reflected on her time on Diff’rent Strokes.

“I did not want to do that,” she told the outlet, adding that she feared walking because of a fall years earlier. “I can remember saying, ‘This is somebody else’s dream.’ But they explained to me this was the premise of the episode.”

Melanie recalled her mother telling her to remain quiet and do the scene, which she did in the end.

“I’m proud of Norman [Lear] for going against the norm and doing something,” Watson said. She stated that her presence was widely noted for authentically representing a young person with a disability, especially in a. time when it was rare on television.

“I didn’t realize what a gift it was to be the first one out there. If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed in the business.”

Rest in peace, Melanie Watson.