Lauren Chapin (born May 23, 1945, in Los Angeles, California) is an American former child actress, most remembered for her role as the youngest child "Kathy Anderson" (nicknamed "Kitten") in the television show Father Knows Best, which was produced between 1954 and 1960. Chapin was awarded five Jr. Emmy's for Best Child Actress.

Biographie

Before, during and after Father Knows Best was in its original broadcast run, Chapin had a troubled childhood. Her father sexually abused her and her mother was an alcoholic. Following the cancellation of Father Knows Best, Chapin married at age 16, was divorced at 18, became a drug addict, turned to prostitution to support her habit, and was sent to a psychiatric institution after she attempted suicide. After these troubles, Chapin became an evangelical Christian in 1979, which she credits with saving her life.

She is the younger sister of former child stars, Billy Chapin and Michael Chapin.