Melanie Watson Bernhardt (July 20, 1968 â December 26, 2025) was an American actress and disability advocate known for her role as Kathy Gordon on the 1980s sitcom DiffâÂÂrent Strokes.
Melanie Watson Bernhardt was born in Dana Point, California on July 20, 1968, the daughter of Jack Watson and Marilyn Patzner. She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta at birth and used a wheelchair.
Watson Bernhardt died in Colorado Springs, Colorado on December 26, 2025, at the age of 57.