'Father Knows Best' Actress Lauren Chapin Passes Away — Details

Television's former child star Lauren Chapin has passed away. The actress's family shared an emotional tribute — and a deeply personal detail about her final chapter.

Lauren Chapin was once the wide-eyed little sister who helped define early family television. Now, decades later, a message from her family has brought unexpected news.

Chapin, who starred as "Kitten" on "Father Knows Best," has passed away at the age of 79. The announcement came through a brief statement on social media.

On February 25, 2026, Chapin's son, Matthew Chapin, shared a touching tribute on Facebook.

In his message, he said his mother had fought a difficult five-year illness before her death. "I'm at a complete loss for words right now. Please keep my sister and family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this incredibly tough time," he said.

For many, Chapin will forever be remembered as "Kitten," the youngest member of the Anderson family from 1954 to 1960. Her warmth and innocence helped define the golden age of family television.

Yet her life extended far beyond childhood fame. According to her official memorial page, Chapin later faced personal struggles but ultimately devoted herself to faith, ministry, and helping others overcome addiction.

Only later in the message did Chapin's son clarify what she had been fighting. "She passed away from her battle with cancer tonight," he shared.

Chapin's passing comes during a difficult period for fans of classic television.

Just days earlier, Robert Carradine, the actor who charmed generations from college comedies to Disney Channel living rooms, died at 71 on February 23, 2026.

A Shocking Goodbye No One Saw Coming

The beloved performer — best known for "The Long Riders," "Revenge of the Nerds," and "Lizzie McGuire" — died by suicide, according to his family. The devastating news was first reported by Deadline.

Robert wasn't just a Hollywood staple; he was part of a legendary acting dynasty and, as his older brother Keith Carradine described, the "bedrock" of the family. But behind the warmth and humor that lit up screens for decades was a private struggle few fully understood.

In a statement shared with Deadline, his family revealed the depth of that battle. "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him [sic]," the statement reads.

Behind the Smile That Lit up Hollywood

They continued with words that have since struck a chord across Hollywood: "We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder."

The family also made it clear they hope his story sparks change.

"We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness," they added, before asking for privacy as they grieve this "unfathomable loss."

Keith also spoke candidly about his brother's illness, something the family says should not be hidden in shame. "We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," he asserted. "It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul."

He described Robert as "profoundly gifted," remembering how funny, wise, and "utterly accepting and tolerant" he was.

What Robert's 'Lizzie McGuire' TV Family Had to Say

For many millennials, though, Robert will always be Sam McGuire: Lizzie McGuire's lovable, steady dad on the Disney Channel hit show.

Following the announcement that Robert died by suicide after his 20-year battle with bipolar disorder, the "Lizzie McGuire" cast shared their heartbreak and remembered his "constant fatherly like [sic] support" on set, according to Deadline.

And perhaps the tribute that hit fans the hardest came from the show's main character herself. In one of the photos Hilary Duff shared, the McGuire family beams together in their sitcom kitchen, Robert smiling warmly beside his on-screen wife and kids.

The cover image is a close-up of Hilary and Robert, both flashing bright smiles that now feel especially bittersweet. In her emotional caption, the actress didn't hold back her heartbreak.

"This one hurts. It's really hard to face this reality about an old friend," she penned. "There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and [sic] I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I'll be forever grateful for that." Then came the line that may have stunned many:

"I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering."

"My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him," Hilary Duff added, punctuating the tribute with a broken heart emoji.

Robert is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and countless loved ones who considered him family.