Lynn Hamilton, the veteran actress best known for her recurring roles on the television series “Sanford and Son” and “The Waltons,” died Thursday, June 19, at her Chicago home. She was 95.
Hamilton died of natural causes while surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson. Carson confirmed Hamilton’s death in a statement posted on social media platforms.
Born Alzenia Lynn Hamilton on April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she moved with her family to Chicago Heights, Illinois, when she was 11 years old. Hamilton attended Bloom High School and studied acting at the Goodman School of Drama Theater, where she was the only Black student in her class.
After moving to New York in 1956, Hamilton made her Broadway debut in the 1959 play “Only in America.” She continued her stage career with roles in “The Cool World,” “Face of a Hero” and “Tambourines to Glory.” Hamilton spent three years performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival and became a member of President Kennedy’s cultural exchange program, touring internationally in productions of “The Miracle Worker” and “The Skin of Our Teeth.” In 1966, she joined the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Hamilton made her film debut in John Cassavetes’ 1959 drama “Shadows,” appearing in a background role during a party scene. Her early film credits included “Brother John” (1971), “Buck and the Preacher” (1972), and “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972), where she starred alongside Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor.
Her television breakthrough came with “Sanford and Son” in February 1972, when she first appeared in the seventh episode as a landlady. The producers were impressed with her performance and created the recurring role of Donna Harris, a registered nurse who became Fred Sanford’s girlfriend and later fiancée. Hamilton portrayed the character from 1972 to 1977 opposite Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford.
In a 2009 interview, Hamilton recalled that Foxx told her his show needed somebody dignified opposite him, as he was aware of his earthiness. She noted that among approximately 100 actresses in Hollywood who auditioned for the role, Foxx was impressed with her experience and dignified presence.
While working on “Sanford and Son,” Hamilton began her role as Verdie Grant Foster on the CBS historical drama “The Waltons” in February 1973. Her character first appeared in the episode “The Scholar,” which won a screenwriting Emmy for John McGreevey, when John-Boy gives Verdie reading and writing lessons. Hamilton appeared in 16 additional episodes of the series through 1981 and later appeared in “Waltons” holiday telefilms in 1993 and 1997.
Hamilton’s television career extended beyond her signature roles. She starred as matriarch Vivian Potter on the NBC daytime drama “Generations” from 1989 to 1991 and played Cissie Johnson on the syndicated nighttime soap “Dangerous Women” from 1991 to 1992. She portrayed Cousin Georgia Anderson on the 1979 miniseries “Roots: The Next Generations” and had recurring roles as Emma Johnson on NBC’s “227” and as a judge on ABC’s “The Practice.”
Her guest appearances included roles on “Room 222,” “Mannix,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Rockford Files,” “Quincy M.E.,” “The Golden Girls,” “NYPD Blue,” “Judging Amy” and “Cold Case.” Hamilton’s final on-screen appearance was in an episode of “Cold Case” in 2009.
Additional film credits included “Hangup” (1974), “Leadbelly” (1976), “The Jesse Owens Story” (1984), “Legal Eagles” (1986), “The Vanishing” (1993) and “Beah: A Black Woman Speaks” (2003).
Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his death at age 89 in 2014. The couple frequently collaborated on theater productions, including the acclaimed plays “Nobody” and “The Bert Williams Story.” Carson described their partnership as a shining example of creativity, love and dedication. Hamilton moved back to Chicago following her husband’s death.
Throughout her career, Hamilton received recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry, including the prestigious NAACP Award. Carson noted in his statement that Hamilton’s illustrious career spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment through her work as a model, stage, film and television actress.
Carson stated: “Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.”
