Curious World Staff
Lynn Hamilton, beloved for her roles on Sanford and Son and The Waltons, has died at age 95. She passed away of natural causes Thursday at her home in Chicago, surrounded by family and caregivers, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson.
Born April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights at age 11 and studied acting at the Goodman Theater. After relocating to New York in 1956, she made her Broadway debut in Only in America and appeared in John Cassavetes’ 1959 film Shadows.
Hamilton’s breakthrough came with Sanford and Son, where she was cast as Fred Sanford’s girlfriend, Donna Harris, after impressing producers in an earlier guest role. She remained on the show from 1972 to 1977. She also portrayed Verdie Grant on The Waltons from 1973 to 1981.
Her television career spanned decades, with roles in The Golden Girls, Moesha, Judging Amy, NYPD Blue, and more. Her film credits included Leadbelly (1976), The Jesse Owens Story (1984), and The Vanishing (1993). Her final screen appearance was in a 2009 episode of Cold Case.
Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his death in 2014. The couple collaborated on several stage projects, including Nobody: The Bert Williams Story.
“Her illustrious career has left an indelible mark,” Carson said, honoring her as a dignified and inspiring presence in entertainment for over 50 years.
