Lauren Chapin, the American actress best known for playing Kathy Anderson, nicknamed “Kitten,” on Father Knows Best, died on February 24, 2026.
She was 80. Chapin appeared in 196 episodes of the television series between 1954 and 1960 and won five Jr.
Emmy Awards during her career. Born Lauren Ann Chapin in Los Angeles on May 23, 1945, she made her first television appearance on Lux Video Theater in 1952. Her brothers Billy and Michael Chapin were also child stars.
Lauren Ann Chapin (May 23, 1945 – February 24, 2026) was a five time Jr. Emmy award winning American actress who played the role of the youngest child “Kathy Anderson” (nicknamed “Kitten”) on the television show Father Knows Best between 1954 and 1960. She appeared in 196 episodes of the 203 in the series. Two of her older brothers were also child stars, Billy and Michael Chapin.