The Rise & Fall & Rise of Lauren Chapin From 'Father Knows Best'

[Brian Damage]

Remember Kathy "Kitty" Anderson, the youngest daughter on Father Knows Best? Chapin played the role from 1954 until 1960 starting when she was just 9 years old. After the show she dropped out of high school and got married at 16. Separated 2 years later and divorced after 5 years, she started doing drugs at 18, becoming addicted to heroin. It took a year long stint in rehab to cure her. Two more marriages followed, both ended. She no longer acts and makes the occasional public appearance. While her acting career may have fizzled, she has found a new calling as a licensed and ordained Christian evangelist.

http://www.collectinghollywood.com/LChapin1.jpg

[Marvo301]

I'm glad that Lauren has been able to put her drug addiction behind her and turn her life around. I hope and pray that she can use her calling as a Christian evangelist to help other people make similar changes to their lives.

[catlover79]

Lauren friended me on Facebook. She is indeed a sweetheart - AND a survivor, who had to endure horrific abuse (both physical and sexual) from her parents and uncle. Then it was all downhill until she came to Christ. What an inspiration she is!!!

[Cincy Guy]

Many of the details of Lauren's life after FKB are contained in her book, "Father Really Does Know Best" that came out a number of years ago.

I heard that she had been trying to get the part of "Lolita" in the 1962 film that went to Sue Lyon. It was said one of the things that worked against Lauren getting it was the public image she had from FKB.

[Jude The Obscure]

^I've read that book.......it was an eye opener for a then naive guy who didn't think such things went on in the TV world.

[catlover79]

I've read that book, too - incredible stuff!!! Thank God she got through it.

[old grouch]

I also read Lauren's book a long time ago. Poor little Kitten. But her story has a happy ending and gives me hope for this world.

[OH Nuts!]

Glad Lauren was able to turn her life around and help others - she sounds like a lovely woman.

[gidgetgrape]

Best Wishes to Lauren! She was my favorite when I watched the reruns in the 1980s.

Does anyone know what happened to her website?

[catlover79]

Best Wishes to Lauren! She was my favorite when I watched the reruns in the 1980s.

Does anyone know what happened to her website?

I don't know, but she is on Facebook.

[Retro4Life]

Another example of a wide difference between the on screen image and the reality. Geez, the poor lady...I'm sure glad she's come out the other side alive and apparently healed in mind and body. :)

[JerseyBounce]

I met Lauren Chapin about 15 years ago, at a public signing. Larry Matthews and Butch Patrick were at the same event, but that's a story for another day.

She's an angel, pure and simple. She signed a copy of the picture at the top of the thread for me. We had a pleasant conversation.

She's an inspiration, indeed :)

[ThomasE]

Good for her. I'm glad. It's amazing.