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."
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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."
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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."
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