Lynn Hamilton, the gifted actress best known for her roles as Donna Harris on Sanford and Son and Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons, has passed away at the age of 95. She died of natural causes at her home in Chicago on June 19, 2025, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson.
Hamilton’s contributions to television, stage, and film spanned more than five decades, during which she brought dignity, depth, and compassion to every character she portrayed. Her work, which resonated with generations of viewers, carved out a space for Black women in mainstream entertainment during an era of limited visibility and opportunity.
“Her illustrious career… has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment,” Carson shared in tribute.
From Mississippi Roots to National Recognition
Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1929, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois at age 12, where her passion for acting blossomed. She studied drama at Goodman Theatre and honed her skills in Chicago’s rich community theater scene before relocating to New York in 1956.
Her Broadway debut came in 1959 with Only in America, followed by compelling stage work in The Cool World, Face of a Hero, and Tambourines to Glory. A member of the New York Shakespeare Festival and a participant in President John F. Kennedy’s cultural exchange program, Hamilton traveled internationally, sharing American theater through plays like The Miracle Worker and The Skin of Our Teeth.
A Familiar Face in American Living Rooms
Hamilton’s screen career began with a background role in John Cassavetes’ 1958 film Shadows, but it was her portrayal of Donna Harris, the devoted nurse and love interest of Fred Sanford (played by Redd Foxx) in Sanford and Son, that catapulted her to national acclaim. She brought warmth, wit, and quiet strength to the character from 1972 to 1977, breaking stereotypes with her presence and poise.
At the same time, she made a lasting impact on The Waltons, portraying Verdie Grant Foster, a deeply human character navigating life in Depression-era Virginia. From 1973 to 1981, Hamilton’s recurring role on the series added a rare but vital lens on Black life in American period dramas.
Beyond Television
Hamilton also made appearances on beloved series like Roots: The Next Generations, The Golden Girls, 227, Generations, Port Charles, and more.
Her film credits include Hangup (1974), Leadbelly (1976), Legal Eagles (1986), The Vanishing (1993), and the award-winning documentary Beah: A Black Woman Speaks (2003).
A Legacy Rooted in Art and Advocacy
Married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his passing in 2014, Hamilton’s life reflected a deep commitment not only to performance but also to cultural expression and community. Her involvement in artistic and diplomatic exchange programs brought theater to international audiences, and her trailblazing career continues to inspire actors and storytellers of all backgrounds.
As Hollywood continues to reckon with its past and push for greater representation, Lynn Hamilton’s legacy shines as a beacon—a woman who opened doors, challenged expectations, and left behind a body of work that will endure for generations.
She may have stepped away from the spotlight in later years, but her voice, her presence, and her pioneering spirit live on.
