Lauren Chapin, the Youngest Kid on ‘Father Knows Best,’ Dies at 80
Hollywood Reporter
by Mike BarnesFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lauren Chapin, the youngest actress on the iconic 1950s TV series *Father Knows Best*, passed away at age 80 after a battle with cancer. Known for her role as Kathy “Kitten” Anderson, Chapin’s life was marked by both professional success and profound personal struggles. Despite her innocent portrayal of Kitten on the show, Chapin faced significant challenges, including childhood molestation, drug addiction, multiple miscarriages, and legal troubles. Her story highlights the often-unseen struggles behind the scenes of a seemingly idyllic television career.
Chapin joined *Father Knows Best* at just 9 years old, landing the role in part due to her resemblance to Robert Young’s daughter, Kathy Anderson. She starred alongside Betty “Princess” Anderson (Elinor Donahue) and James “Bud” Anderson Jr. (Billy Gray), portraying a lively and precocious character. The show ran for six seasons, from 1954 to 1960, with reruns airing for years after its conclusion. Chapin’s time on the series was followed by a period of instability, including marriages, drug abuse, and a career hiatus spanning over a decade.
Off-screen, Chapin’s life took a dark turn. At age 6, she was molested by her father, William Chapin, while her mother, Marguerite, an alcoholic, sent her brother Billy to New York for his stage
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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026