Fans Mourn as ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star Passes Away at 57

Actress Melanie Watson Bernhardt, known for her role as Kathy Gordon on the classic ‘80s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, has passed away at the age of 57. Her brother confirmed to TMZ that she died Friday in Colorado Springs.

Bernhardt lived with a genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, which makes bones fragile and affects muscle strength, hearing, and dental health.

Recently, she had been hospitalized due to bleeding problems, and her health reportedly worsened quickly. Her brother told TMZ that Bernhardt had been fortunate to live as long as she did given her condition.

On Diff’rent Strokes, Bernhardt often appeared as Kathy, a friend of lead character Arnold Jackson, played by Gary Coleman. Kathy used a wheelchair on the show, reflecting some of the challenges Bernhardt faced in real life. The series ran for eight seasons from 1978 to 1986 and followed two orphaned brothers from Harlem who were taken in by a wealthy New York family.

After retiring from acting, Bernhardt devoted herself to helping others. She founded and served as executive director of Train Rite, an organization that trains shelter dogs to assist people with disabilities, according to IMDb. She was married to Roger Bernhardt from 1994 to 1996.

Melanie Bernhardt will be remembered not only for her work on television but also for her dedication to helping others through her nonprofit work.

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