Hollywood actress Lauren Chapin has died at the age of 80 following a five-year battle with cancer. Her son Matthew confirmed the news in a post on Facebook. In a heartbreaking tribute he wrote: "After a long hard fought battle over the past 5 years, the time has come. My mother Lauren Chapin passed away from her battle with cancer tonight . I'm at a complete loss for words right now. Please keep my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this incredibly tough time."
The former child star was best known for her role as precocious Kathy "Kitten" Anderson on the iconic 1950s TV series Father Knows Best. The hugely popular show ran for six seasons, from October 1954 until May 1960. It continued to enjoy massive success in reruns and syndication which led to a cast reunion for a pair of TV specials in 1977.
In total she appeared in 196 episodes of the 203 which were made and was awarded five Junior Emmys for Best Child Actress.
She had landed her most famous role at the age of just 9 having already made a name for herself appearing in a 1952 episode of CBS’ Lux Video Theatre and starring alongside the legendary Judy Garland in 1954's A Star Is Born.
She was not the only famous member of her family as two of her older brothers Billy and Michael Chapin were also well-known child stars.
Her life was far from idyllic after the show ended. IShe claimed her father William had molested her as a child. She also became a drug addict, endured stints in jail and suffered several miscarriages. During a 1989 appearance on Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee she said: “It was very difficult to understand how Kathy Anderson could be loved and protected and Lauren Chapin lived a whole different kind of life. I didn’t understand how God could let me suffer.”
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