Lynn Hamilton, Star of “Sanford and Son” Passes Away at 95

Lynn Hamilton, Beloved TV Icon of “Sanford and Son” and “The Waltons,” Dies at 95

WorldWide Entertainment TV pays tribute to the late, great Lynn Hamilton, who passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 95. A pioneering actress in American television history, Hamilton died peacefully of natural causes in her Chicago home, surrounded by loved ones.

Born Alzenia Lynn Hamilton on April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she moved to Illinois as a child. She later studied acting at Chicago’s prestigious Goodman School of Drama, igniting a career that would span more than five decades across theater, film, and television.

Hamilton’s first screen role came in John Cassavetes’ 1959 film Shadows, followed by numerous impactful performances in films such as Brother John, Lady Sings the Blues, and Buck and the Preacher.

However, it was television that made her a household name. She joined NBC’s hit series Sanford and Son in 1972 as Donna Harris, the poised and nurturing girlfriend (later fiancée) of Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford. Her chemistry with Foxx and dignified portrayal made her a fan favorite during the show’s five-year run.

She also held a recurring role on the classic drama The Waltons, portraying Verdie Grant Foster—a role that showcased her dramatic range and resonated with millions of viewers between 1973 and 1981.

A Trailblazing Legacy

Throughout her career, Hamilton appeared in over 60 television productions, including Gunsmoke, 227, Roots: The Next Generations, The Golden Girls, NYPD Blue, The Practice, Room 222, Generations, and Cold Case.

She often portrayed characters who embodied strength, grace, and compassion, representing Black women with dignity at a time when such roles were rare on television.

Hamilton was also deeply rooted in theater, having appeared in productions with the New York Shakespeare Festival and collaborating with her late husband, playwright Frank Jenkins, on various stage projects such as Nobody: The Bert Williams Story. The couple married in 1964 and remained together until Jenkins’ death in 2014.

Remembering a Cultural Pioneer

Rev. Calvin Carson, a longtime friend and publicist, released a heartfelt statement on her passing:

“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. Her career left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.”

Hamilton’s influence on television and representation remains undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of Black actresses, and her performances continue to live on in syndication and in the hearts of fans around the world.

🕊️ Rest in Peace, Lynn Hamilton (1930–2025)

Donna Harris – Sanford and Son
Verdie Grant Foster – The Waltons
Appearances in Roots: The Next Generation, The Golden Girls, 227, and more.