Tag: michelle singer reiner

Melanie Watson, a disabled actress remembered for her charming performances on four episodes of “Diff’rent Strokes,” has died at 57.

TMZ reports her brother Robert Watson confirmed her death, saying she died December 26 in Colorado Springs following a hospitalization.

Watson became a face of the disease osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle-bone disease, playing perky Kathy Gordon on “Diff’rent Strokes,” the sitcom that made Gary Coleman a star.

In a 2020 IndieWire piece about Norman Lear, Watson recalled difficulties she faces working on the set of the show. “I was a pill. I was always playing with my yo-yo and listening to my Walkman.”

She went on to say, “Back in those days I didn’t have a wheelchair, so I was carried everywhere.”

The crew helped her, but it was still a slog for the young actress.

Interestingly, a famous episode of the series focused on Coleman’s character innocently but misguidedly encouraging Watson’s character to try walking without crutches. Watson did as she was asked, but resented that it was “somebody else’s dream.” In truth, she was fearful of crutches.

Nonetheless, Watson had high praise for Lear-produced show and for Lear, telling IndieWire, “I’m proud of Norman for going against the norm and doing something.”

Watson left acting after “Diff’rent Strokes,” and co-founded the charity Train Rite, which trained dogs to be service animals.

She had been married to Roger Bernhardt from 1994-1996. Survivors included her brother.

Mickey Lee, who competed on the 2025 season of “Big Brother,” has died. She was 35.

Her family shared the sad news on Instagram on Dec. 26, writing, “With profound sadness, the family of Mickey Lee announces her transition on Christmas in the early evening.”

The message continued, “Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on ‘Big Brother,’ where her authenticity, strength and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike. She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen.”

The news comes after a GoFundMe was created for Mickey on Dec. 22, revealing she was in the ICU.

According to the GoFundMe, “Mickey recently suffered a series of cardiac arrests and is now in the ICU in critical but stable condition. She has been surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones, but the road ahead will be long and challenging.”

The fundraiser was created to help Mickey and her family with the “financial strain from mounting hospital bills and ongoing care and recovery costs.”

The GoFundMe shared that Lee was from Jacksonville, Florida but now based in Atlanta, describing her as an “event curator and creative force.”

“Big Brother” host Julie Chen reacted to the news, sharing, “Two months ago I interviewed Mickey Lee on ‘God 101.’ That’s when she revealed to me that she was born with a hole in her heart, and as an adult she survived an ATV accident that should have killed her, but God kept her alive.”

She went on, “Last night God brought her home 🕊️ Rest In Peace dear Mickey. I will see you again on the other side in eternity. I pray the good Lord comforts and heals your family and loved ones as we grieve your passing. Amen 🙏🏼.”