Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford and Son' and ‘The Waltons' actress, dead at 95
Lynn Hamilton, the actress best known for her roles in the NBC sitcom 'Sanford and Son' and the CBS historical drama series 'The Waltons,' has died. She was 95.
Hamilton died Thursday of natural causes in her Chicago home, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson.
'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,' Carson wrote on Facebook.
7 Lynn Hamilton in 'Dangerous Women.'
Courtesy Everett Collection
7 Lynn Hamilton attends the 40th anniversary reunion of 'The Waltons' in Jersey City, New Jersey in 2011.
Getty Images
'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,' the statement added.
Hamilton, according to Carson, was 'surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers' when she passed away.
7 Redd Foxx, Lynn Hamilton in 'Sanford and Son.'
Courtesy Everett Collection
Born on April 25, 1930 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights when she was 11 years old and studied acting at Goodman Theater.
After relocating to New York in 1956, Hamilton made her Broadway debut in the play 'Only in America' and her film debut in John Cassavetes' 1959 drama 'Shadows.'
7 Lynn Hamilton in the ABC TV movie 'A Dream for Christmas.'
ABC
Hamilton first appeared on 'Sanford and Son' in the seventh episode as a landlady, before she was cast in a recurring role as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford's girlfriend and later fiancée.
In a 2009 interview, Hamilton said that producers were 'so impressed' with her scene as the landlady that they decided to create the role of Donna for her.
7 Lynn Hamilton, Redd Fox in 'Sanford and Son.'
Courtesy Everett Collection
'I among, I don't know, 100 other actresses in Hollywood auditioned,' she recalled. 'We had a screen test … He was impressed with my experience. He always said, 'You're so dignified and I need somebody dignified opposite me.' '
7 Lynn Hamilton, Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson in 'Sanford and Son.'
Courtesy Everett Collection
Hamilton starred on 'Sanford and Son' from 1972 to 1977. During that time, she made her first appearance as Verdie on 'The Waltons,' a role that lasted from 1973 to 1981.
In addition, Hamilton made appearances in 'The Golden Girls,' 'Dangerous Women,' 'Generations,' 'NYPD Blue,' 'Port Charles,' 'The Practice,' 'Moesha' and 'Judging Amy.'
7 Lynn Hamilton, Hari Rhodes in the ABC tv movie 'A Dream for Christmas.'
ABC
Her other film credits included 'Leadbelly' (1976), 'The Jesse Owens Story' (1984), 'Legal Eagles' (1986), 'The Vanishing' (1993) and 'Beah: A Black Woman Speaks' (2003).
Hamilton's final acting gig was in one episode of 'Cold Case' in 2009, according to her IMDb.
Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his death in 2014. The pair collaborated on various theater productions including the play 'Nobody: The Bert Williams Story.'
Carson called Hamilton and Jenkins' partnership 'a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Lynn Hamilton, 'Sanford and Son\
Lynn Hamilton, an actress known for her roles on "Sanford and Son" and "The Waltons," has died. She was 95. Hamilton's death was confirmed in a statement on Facebook and Instagram from her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, who said that the actress died on June 19 "surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers." "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," Carson said. "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." Hamilton starred as nurse Donna Harris, girlfriend of Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx), on the classic sitcom "Sanford and Son" beginning in 1972. The influential show, which aired on NBC, also starred Demond Wilson and LaWanda Page. Hamilton also portrayed Verdie on the CBS drama "The Waltons," beginning in 1973. She reprised the role in the television movies "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion" and "A Walton Easter." 'Sanford and Son': Looking back at the 'double-edged' Black sitcom pioneer 50 years later The actress made her on-screen debut in the 1958 John Cassavetes film "Shadows," and throughout her career, she appeared on shows like "Dangerous Women," "Room 222," "Mannix," "Gunsmoke," "Hawaii Five-O," "Good Times," "Starsky and Hutch," "The Rockford Files" and "Roots: The Next Generation." She also starred on the NBC soap opera "Generations." On the film side, Hamilton had roles in movies like "Lady Sings the Blues," starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, and "Buck and the Preacher," starring Sidney Poitier. Hamilton continued to act into the 2000s with roles on "NYPD Blue," "The Practice" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Nathaniel Taylor, best known as Rollo on 'Sanford and Son,' dies at 80 Hamilton was married to writer Frank Jenkins until his death in 2014. They worked together on theater productions such as "Nobody" and "The Bert Williams Story," according to Carson, who said that their "partnership was a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication."
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Lynn Hamilton, ‘Sanford and Son' and ‘The Waltons' actress, dead at 95
Lynn Hamilton, the actress best known for her roles in the NBC sitcom 'Sanford and Son' and the CBS historical drama series 'The Waltons,' has died. She was 95. Hamilton died Thursday of natural causes in her Chicago home, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson. '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,' Carson wrote on Facebook. 7 Lynn Hamilton in 'Dangerous Women.' Courtesy Everett Collection 7 Lynn Hamilton attends the 40th anniversary reunion of 'The Waltons' in Jersey City, New Jersey in 2011. Getty Images '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,' the statement added. Hamilton, according to Carson, was 'surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers' when she passed away. 7 Redd Foxx, Lynn Hamilton in 'Sanford and Son.' Courtesy Everett Collection Born on April 25, 1930 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights when she was 11 years old and studied acting at Goodman Theater. After relocating to New York in 1956, Hamilton made her Broadway debut in the play 'Only in America' and her film debut in John Cassavetes' 1959 drama 'Shadows.' 7 Lynn Hamilton in the ABC TV movie 'A Dream for Christmas.' ABC Hamilton first appeared on 'Sanford and Son' in the seventh episode as a landlady, before she was cast in a recurring role as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford's girlfriend and later fiancée. In a 2009 interview, Hamilton said that producers were 'so impressed' with her scene as the landlady that they decided to create the role of Donna for her. 7 Lynn Hamilton, Redd Fox in 'Sanford and Son.' Courtesy Everett Collection 'I among, I don't know, 100 other actresses in Hollywood auditioned,' she recalled. 'We had a screen test … He was impressed with my experience. He always said, 'You're so dignified and I need somebody dignified opposite me.' ' 7 Lynn Hamilton, Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson in 'Sanford and Son.' Courtesy Everett Collection Hamilton starred on 'Sanford and Son' from 1972 to 1977. During that time, she made her first appearance as Verdie on 'The Waltons,' a role that lasted from 1973 to 1981. In addition, Hamilton made appearances in 'The Golden Girls,' 'Dangerous Women,' 'Generations,' 'NYPD Blue,' 'Port Charles,' 'The Practice,' 'Moesha' and 'Judging Amy.' 7 Lynn Hamilton, Hari Rhodes in the ABC tv movie 'A Dream for Christmas.' ABC Her other film credits included 'Leadbelly' (1976), 'The Jesse Owens Story' (1984), 'Legal Eagles' (1986), 'The Vanishing' (1993) and 'Beah: A Black Woman Speaks' (2003). Hamilton's final acting gig was in one episode of 'Cold Case' in 2009, according to her IMDb. Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his death in 2014. The pair collaborated on various theater productions including the play 'Nobody: The Bert Williams Story.' Carson called Hamilton and Jenkins' partnership 'a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication.'
New York Post
7 hours ago
- New York Post
Hollywood and Obama should be judged for covering up Joe Biden's frailty
One year ago this month, attendees packed the 7,100 seats inside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to watch a parade of A-list celebrities — George Clooney! Julia Roberts! Barbra Streisand! — unite in a common goal: to raise more money for President Biden's re-election campaign than had ever before been tallied for a single fundraising event. By that standard the evening was a smashing success: Over $30 million, a record, was raised. 6 George Clooney, Joe Biden, Julia Roberts and Barack Obama at the Los Angeles fundraiser last June 15th, the beginning of the end of the wide-scale cover-up of Biden's inability to maintain his presidential campaign. X/Chris Jackson 'How important the event was to his re-election bid could be seen,' the Associated Press reported, 'in Biden's decision to fly through the night across nine time zones, from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California, to attend.' Advertisement Nothing was left to chance. Outside the Peacock, riot police ringed the Gaza protesters; inside, the biggest weapon was rolled out. Former President Barack Obama appeared onstage with his old No. 2, the pair of presidents interviewed by the ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Their recurring theme: A second Trump presidency would ruin America. Obama called the current moment 'a by-product of 2016,' when, he said, 'a whole bunch of folks . . . sat out . . . Hopefully, we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter.' When Roe v. Wade came up, and the audience hissed, Obama scolded them: 'Don't hiss; vote.' 6 Within weeks of the event at the Peacock Theater, Biden would bow out of the campaign, which passed onto Vice President Kamala Harris. AP Still sharp, still charming, the familiar smile still beguiling, the forty-fourth president deployed all his gifts to urge the high rollers at the Peacock — and by extension, all Americans — to support Biden with money and votes: the most precious commodities a civic-minded American can be asked to invest. Advertisement The only problem was: Biden. At the event's end, as he and Obama waved goodbye with Kimmel, the incumbent became catatonic, just as he had five days earlier, at a Juneteenth concert at the White House. His whole body froze, as if immobilized by a science-fiction ray-gun. Obama had to guide his friend, gently but firmly, off the stage. As the Washington Post later reported, the commander-in-chief, keeper of the nuclear option, appeared 'slow . . . frail.' 'Even with Kimmel posing softball questions, and Obama frequently interjecting to provide support,' the story said, 'Biden struggled to explain key parts of his campaign platform, with attendees saying that the president frequently stumbled over his remarks, trailed off or was simply confusing.' 6 Pres. Obama has staked his post-presidential legacy on moral authority, clarity and legitimacy. His role in clouding Biden's health demands that legacy be reconsidered. AP Advertisement By June 27, Biden's disastrous performance in the CNN debate with former President Trump in Atlanta had triggered an open revolt, with leading Democrats and rank-and-file primary voters clamoring for Biden to withdraw from the contest. Throughout the incumbent's long political death-spiral, former President Obama — who had urged Biden against running in 2016 and 2020, worried the older man might 'embarrass himself' — remained silent. In what the Associated Press called 'the most delicate political moment for Democrats since former President Bill Clinton's impeachment,' Obama was seen struggling 'to balance his role as a party elder and an honest broker for Democrats seeking advice while avoiding being seen as betraying his former vice president.' Missing from this depiction was a key group: the American people. In Biden's season of torment, Obama may have deemed it prudent to keep his own counsel; but that doesn't explain his presence at the Peacock Theater in the first place. Could someone as perceptive and politically astute as Obama, a bestselling memoirist and two-time winner of the Electoral College, really have failed to discern Biden's unfitness until the fundraiser? Advertisement 6 Despite being enabled by sycophantic aides — and his Vice President — Biden's deterioration was well-known among much of Washington. Getty Images And even if that were true, why did Obama wait until after the debate, almost two weeks, before taking action to protect the electorate? By July 11, 'Morning Joe' relayed the whispering of top Democrats who believed Obama was 'working behind the scenes to orchestrate' Biden's withdrawal. In short: What took him so long? Barack Obama entered office with a Gallup approval rating of 67% and, after sinking to 40% in 2011, left office with a robust 59%. Polling on former presidents is scant; but Gallup still has Obama at 59%, while a recent YouGov survey lists him at 62%. 6 Following his humiliating defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Jimmy Carter went on to rehabilitate his legacy via ambitious, progressive humanitarian efforts. Getty Images What does it say for a man who, trusted by so many, colluded in a lie to them — that Joe Biden was fit for office — and moreover participated in an enormous transfer of wealth, $30 million in a single evening, to prop up that lie until it became impossible even for the most deluded souls to believe? Rather than use his enduring appeal to force the Democratic Party to do the right thing in mid-2023 — when Biden was still officially mulling whether to seek re-election — Obama held his tongue and hoped for the best. For the winner of the 2017 Profile in Courage Award, the crucible of 2024 was not a Profile in Courage moment. 6 Biden and Obama on that fateful Peacock Theater stage last June, which raised $30 million. AP Advertisement Obama's historical legacy won't rest entirely on the arc and perceptions of his presidency. His actions since 2017 matter, too; and in covering for Biden for so long, Obama displayed a contempt for our democracy, and his own party, unbefitting of a two-term president. Jimmy Carter's post-presidency helped lift his standing in history. For Barack Obama, at least so far, the narrative runs in the other direction. James Rosen is chief Washington correspondent at Newsmax and the author, most recently, of 'Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 1936-1986.'
