Overview
- Her son, Matthew Chapin, announced her death on Facebook, saying she died after a five-year battle with cancer and asking for prayers for the family.
- Chapin became a household name as Kathy “Kitten” Anderson on Father Knows Best (1954–1960), appearing in nearly 200 episodes and earning five Junior Emmys.
- She began performing in the early 1950s, with credits that included Lux Video Theatre and an uncredited role in the 1954 film A Star Is Born.
- Chapin later spoke candidly about childhood abuse, addiction, incarceration and miscarriages before achieving sobriety, ministry work and advocacy for child performers, including with A Minor Consideration.
- She is survived by her son Matthew, daughter Summer and brother Michael; her brother Billy died in 2016.