Lauren Chapin: 'Father Knows Best' Star Dies at 80, Here's Her Profile

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The entertainment world is mourning the passing of legendary child actress Lauren Chapin, best known for her role as Kathy "Kitten" Anderson in the popular television series "Father Knows Best."

Chapin passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2024, in Miami, Florida, United States, at the age of 80.

Her passing followed a five-year battle with cancer.The sad news was first announced by her son, Matthew Chapin, in a touching post on his personal Facebook account.

Matthew expressed his profound loss, stating that he was "at a loss for words" and asking for prayers for himself, his sister, and the entire family.

In addition to Matthew, Lauren Chapin is survived by a daughter, Summer, and a brother, Michael.

An amazing woman is in the ams of Jesus. Last night, at 8pm ET, Lauren Chapin, beloved actress, devoted mother, courageous christian, author and inspirational speaker died after a long battle with cancer. I’ve known “momma Lauren” since I was in high school. She became like a… pic.twitter.com/RhNGby70bW

— PriscillaRahn (@PriscillaRahnEd) February 25, 2026

Lauren Chapin, born on May 23, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, United States, is best known for playing the youngest child, Kathy "Kitten" Anderson, on the sitcom "Father Knows Best," which aired from 1954 to 1960.

Her role as "Kitten" made her a familiar and beloved face in millions of American households.

Chapin's son, Matthew, shared the sad news on Facebook, writing that his mother had passed away after "a long and arduous battle over the past 5 years" with cancer.

The post also asked for prayers and support for his family during this difficult time.

Chapin died in Miami, Florida, at the age of 80.

She is survived by her two children, Matthew and Summer, and her brother, Michael.

Lauren Ann Chapin began her acting career at a young age, including an uncredited role in the 1954 Judy Garland film, "A Star Is Born."

However, her most iconic role was as Kathy "Kitten" Anderson on "Father Knows Best," appearing in 196 of the series' 203 episodes.

For her captivating performance, Chapin received five Junior Emmys for Best Child Actress.

In addition to "Father Knows Best," she also appeared in several other television shows, including "Lux Video Theatre" (1952), "Fireside Theatre" (1955), "The Bob Hope Show" (1954), "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1958), "General Electric Theater" (1960), and the YouTube series "School Bus Diaries" (2016-2017).

Chapin also reprised her role as Kathy in two "Father Knows Best" reunion television movies in 1977.

Despite her success on screen, Lauren Chapin's personal life after "Father Knows Best" was fraught with challenges.

She openly spoke about her struggles with substance abuse, personal hardships, and financial problems.

In her 1989 memoir, "Father Does Know Best: The Lauren Chapin Story," she revealed her experiences of sexual abuse during her television career.

Chapin also struggled with heroin addiction until the age of 25 and suffered eight miscarriages.

She dropped out of high school at 16 and experienced a marriage and divorce at a young age.

However, she managed to rebuild her life, becoming a born-again Christian, a licensed evangelist, and an advocate for Israel.

Through her autobiography, she shares her journey from fame, struggles, to recovery and faith.