Lynn Hamilton – who was known for her role as Donna Harris on the beloved 70s sitcom Sanford And Son – has passed away at the age of 95.
The actress died of natural causes on Thursday, June 19 and was ‘surrounded by her loved ones.’
Her death was also confirmed by her former manager and publicist Rev. Calvin Carson who shared a statement to Instagram and reflected on the late star’s ‘extraordinary life.’
Hamilton began her decades-long career in the industry in the late 50s, and also made appearances in shows such as The Waltons, Gunsmoke and The Rockford Files.
Alongside photos of Lynn from over the years, Carson penned: ‘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 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.’
Lynn Hamilton – who was known for her role as Donna Harris on the beloved 70s sitcom Sanford And Son – has passed away at the age of 95; seen in 2011 in New Jersey
The actress died of natural causes on Thursday, June 19 and was ‘surrounded by her loved ones’; seen above (middle) on Sanford And Son
He then remembered some of her ‘captivating performances’ in projects including Sanford And Son, Dangerous Women and Roots: The Next Generation.
Carson added, ‘Throughout her remarkable career, Lynn frequently collaborated with her husband, Frank S. Jenkins, on various theater productions.’
Some of the ‘acclaimed’ plays they worked on together included Nobody and The Bert Williams Story.
‘Their partnership was a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication,’ her former manager expressed.
In conclusion, Carson said that Hamilton’s ‘passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.’
Upon hearing the news of the actress’s death, social media users took to X to mourn the loss.
One penned, ‘She was on a lot of tv shows back in the day, wonderful actress,’ while another wrote, ‘Aww. Loved her on The Waltons.’
‘It was always good to know Lynn Hamilton aka Donna Harris was still around. A great character actress and very nice lady. May Ms Hamilton forever rest in peace,’ a fan typed out.
Her death was also confirmed by her former manager and publicist Rev. Calvin Carson who shared a statement to Instagram and reflected on the late star’s ‘extraordinary life’
He then remembered some of her ‘captivating performances’ in projects including Sanford And Son, Dangerous Women and Roots: The Next Generation
In conclusion, Carson said that Hamilton’s ‘passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations’; seen in 1973
Upon hearing the news of the actress’s death, social media users took to X to mourn the loss
One shared, ‘Her character on Sanford and Son made an impact and she wasn’t in but a handful of episodes.
‘Shows what a great actress she was! And Donna was about the closest one to semi keep Fred in check lol. not that anyone really could! Rest In Peace, Lynn. #RIP,’ they added.
Another added, ‘Loved her in everything I saw her in. An actress of great statute. Thank you for giving us so much pleasure.’
‘Such sad news! She was fantastic on both those shows!’ an X user wrote, and one commented, ‘Rest in peace.’
Hamilton was born in April 1930 in Yazoo City, Mississippi and later moved to the city of Chicago with her family when she was a young child.
She attended Bloom High School and additionally studied acting at the Goodman Theatre also located in Chicago.
Her successful career in entertainment began on the stage when she starred in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She also worked with the New York Shakespeare Festival for around three years.
In the late 50s and throughout the 1960s, Lynn made brief appearances in movies as uncredited roles.
Her successful career in entertainment began on the stage when she starred in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She also worked with the New York Shakespeare Festival for around three years; seen on The Rockford Files in 1976
She then started to take on minor roles in shows such as Gunsmoke (1969), Hawaii Five-O (1971) and Barnaby Jones (1973).
Lynn also appeared in the 1973 television movie titled A Dream For Christmas.
Her breakthrough was when she was cast as Donna Harris on Sanford And Son. Throughout 1972-1977, Hamilton appeared in a total of 22 episodes until the show came to an end.
And from 1973-1981, the star’s other notable role was in The Waltons when she played Verdie Foster.
She continued to appear on the television screens in the 70s and 80s by also playing smaller roles in Knight Rider, ABC Afterschool Specials, The New Leave It To Beaver, Days Of Our Lives and The Golden Girls.
Hamilton played a lead role in the soap opera Generations as Vivian Porter from 1989 until 1991.
And from 1973-1981, the star’s other notable role was in The Waltons when she played Verdie Foster (seen above)
She continued to appear on the television screens in the 70s and 80s by also playing smaller roles in Knight Rider, ABC Afterschool Specials (seen above), The New Leave It To Beaver, Days Of Our Lives and The Golden Girls
The series aired on CBS for a total of two seasons, and was groundbreaking for being the first soap opera to feature a Black-American family.
The actress went on to portray the character of Cissie Johnson in another soap opera Dangerous Women from 1991-1992.
In the 2000s, Hamilton continued to take on roles such as starring in one episode of NYPD Blue (2002) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (2002).
Her last credited role, per the late star’s IMDB page, was when she appeared in an episode of Cold Case which aired in 2009.
