Classic TV favorite remembered as fans mourn her peaceful passing at 95
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A longtime television favorite has sadly passed, sparking heartfelt tributes from viewers who grew up watching her on-screen. Her presence on two beloved programs defined an era of family entertainment, and her dignified performances left a lasting impression.
The news of her passing has stirred emotion among those who remember her iconic roles and the warmth she brought to the screen. Family members confirmed that she died quietly, surrounded by love in her longtime home.
Lynn Hamilton, best known for playing Donna Harris on Sanford and Son and Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons, has died at 95. She passed away on June 19 of natural causes at her home in Chicago, Illinois. According to her former manager and publicist Rev. Calvin Carson, Hamilton was “surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers” at the time of her passing.
Rev. Carson stated, “With profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Alzenia “Lynn” Hamilton-Jenkins, whose remarkable legacy continues to uplift and inspire.” He added that her work as “her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, motivating audiences across the globe through her work as a model, stage, film, and television actress,” left a powerful mark on the world of entertainment.
Hamilton’s on-screen legacy spans over five decades. She began her acting journey on the stage, honing her craft at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. In 1956, she moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally and made her Broadway debut in 1959 in Only in America.
Her other theatrical credits include The Cool World, Face of a Hero, and Tambourines to Glory. Hamilton's film debut came the same year in John Cassavetes’ Shadows, where she appeared in a background party scene. She continued to work in film through the 1970s and 1980s.
Notable appearances include Brother John (1971), Buck and the Preacher (1972), Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Leadbelly (1976), and Legal Eagles (1986).
Also read: The man who reimagined package delivery has died at 80—remembering Fred Smith
Though she worked steadily in film, it was on television where Hamilton became a household name. Her most remembered role was as Donna Harris on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. She initially appeared as a landlady in seven episodes.
Due to her onscreen chemistry with star Redd Foxx, producers created a new role for her as Fred Sanford’s girlfriend and later fiancée. Hamilton described the casting process in a 2009 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “They were so impressed with that one scene that, oh, a month or so later, they decided to give Fred Sanford a girlfriend.”
“I, among—I don’t know—100 other actresses in Hollywood, auditioned. We had a screen test,” she added.
“He was impressed with my experience. He always said, “You’re so dignified and I need somebody dignified opposite me.”
Her portrayal brought a heartfelt balance to the show’s comedy, and she remained a series regular through its final season in 1977. Outside Sanford and Son, Hamilton had an extensive television career. She portrayed Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons, a recurring character who tackled significant cultural and societal topics.
She also played Cousin Georgia Anderson in Roots: The Next Generation. Hamilton made guest appearances on numerous classic TV shows. These included Good Times, 227, Dangerous Women, The Golden Girls, and Generations.
Also read: Betsy Gay, cherished little Rascals star, dies at 96: “She will be deeply missed”
Born in Yazoo City, Missouri, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois, with her family at the age of 12. She attended Bloom High School, where she discovered her love for acting. Her formal training began at the Goodman Theatre before relocating to New York to pursue stage work.
In her personal life, Hamilton was married to poet Frank Jenkins for 49 years. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2014, which she previously confirmed was from natural causes.
Hamilton lived a quiet life off-screen in her later years. Her death, while peaceful, marks the end of a remarkable legacy that paved the way for women of color in television and film. She is remembered not only for her talent but for her grace, strength, and presence both on and off the screen.
Read next: Lou Christie remembered: The golden falsetto behind "Lightnin’ Strikes" and a lifetime of song
Did you grow up watching Sanford and Son or The Waltons? Do you remember Lynn Hamilton’s powerful performances? The GrayVine community would love to hear your memories and tributes in the comments below.
The news of her passing has stirred emotion among those who remember her iconic roles and the warmth she brought to the screen. Family members confirmed that she died quietly, surrounded by love in her longtime home.
Lynn Hamilton, best known for playing Donna Harris on Sanford and Son and Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons, has died at 95. She passed away on June 19 of natural causes at her home in Chicago, Illinois. According to her former manager and publicist Rev. Calvin Carson, Hamilton was “surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers” at the time of her passing.
Rev. Carson stated, “With profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Alzenia “Lynn” Hamilton-Jenkins, whose remarkable legacy continues to uplift and inspire.” He added that her work as “her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, motivating audiences across the globe through her work as a model, stage, film, and television actress,” left a powerful mark on the world of entertainment.
Lynn Hamilton, best known for playing Donna Harris on Sanford and Son, died at 95. Image Source: Real News / YouTube
Hamilton’s on-screen legacy spans over five decades. She began her acting journey on the stage, honing her craft at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. In 1956, she moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally and made her Broadway debut in 1959 in Only in America.
Her other theatrical credits include The Cool World, Face of a Hero, and Tambourines to Glory. Hamilton's film debut came the same year in John Cassavetes’ Shadows, where she appeared in a background party scene. She continued to work in film through the 1970s and 1980s.
Notable appearances include Brother John (1971), Buck and the Preacher (1972), Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Leadbelly (1976), and Legal Eagles (1986).
Also read: The man who reimagined package delivery has died at 80—remembering Fred Smith
Though she worked steadily in film, it was on television where Hamilton became a household name. Her most remembered role was as Donna Harris on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. She initially appeared as a landlady in seven episodes.
Due to her onscreen chemistry with star Redd Foxx, producers created a new role for her as Fred Sanford’s girlfriend and later fiancée. Hamilton described the casting process in a 2009 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “They were so impressed with that one scene that, oh, a month or so later, they decided to give Fred Sanford a girlfriend.”
“I, among—I don’t know—100 other actresses in Hollywood, auditioned. We had a screen test,” she added.
“He was impressed with my experience. He always said, “You’re so dignified and I need somebody dignified opposite me.”
Her portrayal brought a heartfelt balance to the show’s comedy, and she remained a series regular through its final season in 1977. Outside Sanford and Son, Hamilton had an extensive television career. She portrayed Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons, a recurring character who tackled significant cultural and societal topics.
She also played Cousin Georgia Anderson in Roots: The Next Generation. Hamilton made guest appearances on numerous classic TV shows. These included Good Times, 227, Dangerous Women, The Golden Girls, and Generations.
Also read: Betsy Gay, cherished little Rascals star, dies at 96: “She will be deeply missed”
Born in Yazoo City, Missouri, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois, with her family at the age of 12. She attended Bloom High School, where she discovered her love for acting. Her formal training began at the Goodman Theatre before relocating to New York to pursue stage work.
In her personal life, Hamilton was married to poet Frank Jenkins for 49 years. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2014, which she previously confirmed was from natural causes.
Hamilton lived a quiet life off-screen in her later years. Her death, while peaceful, marks the end of a remarkable legacy that paved the way for women of color in television and film. She is remembered not only for her talent but for her grace, strength, and presence both on and off the screen.
Read next: Lou Christie remembered: The golden falsetto behind "Lightnin’ Strikes" and a lifetime of song
