Popular American actress Melanie Watson, known for her role in the TV show Different Strokes, is dead. Reports claim the actress died on Friday, Boxing Day, in Colorado Springs.Melanie Watson was born on July 20, 1968, in Dana Point, California. She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a disease that causes a person's bones to fracture easily. After her time in Different Stokes, where she played the character Kathy Gordon in four episodes of the show, Watson retired from acting and married Robert Bernhardt in January 1994. They were together for two years before they finalized their divorce in ‘96.Melanie Watson was the founder and executive director of Train Rite, an organization that trains shelter dogs to serve people with disabilities. She was also the Executive Officer of Couiffie's Ranch, an organization that empowered those with disabilities to live more independently through its centers and services.More details on Melanie Watson’s passingMelanie Watson died on Friday, Boxing Day. She was 57. Her brother Robert Watson confirmed to TMZ that she died in Colorado Springs after she was rushed to the hospital after having some bleeding issues. Robert told the news outlet that while the doctors tried their best to help her, her condition deteriorated quickly, and she passed away not long after. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostMelanie’s brother believes she was fortunate to have survived this long with the condition she had and shared that he will never forget her as a ‘great deal.’Following the announcement of her passing on Sunday, tributes poured in from fans all over the world.@JaybayMcC tweeted:“That's so sad.. I'm reading about how she became the founder of an org that trains dogs for people with disabilities.. Train Rite, and then later an org called Couiffie's Ranch.. That's amazing. She never let anything slow her down.. Rip sweetie.”@mimisrevenge1 wrote:“I haven't seen that face for over 40 years. Wishing you the sweetest of dreams dear.”@LendYourVoice2 added:“She helped level the playing field for Acters with special needs! #RIPMelanieWatson.”Fans of Melanie Watson can remember her from her iconic line to Arnold, who had always been insecure about his height throughout the series. When Arnold said that he had forgotten she was disabled, she quipped back: "I'm not handicapped, I'm handicapable!"Also read: Why was Chad Ollinger imprisoned? Details explored as Discovery Channel star faces new charges for allegedly murdering his cellmateAlso read: Who is Gwyneth Paltrow’s father? Great Expectations actor recalls turning down intimate scene over dad’s judgement