Lynn Hamilton (actress) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lynn Hamilton
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Hamilton in a 1972 publicity photo for Sanford and Son
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| Born |
Alzenia Lynn Hamilton
April 25, 1930 Yazoo City, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Died | June 19, 2025 (aged 95) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1958–2009 |
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Notable work
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Donna Harris – Sanford and Son Verdie Grant Foster – The Waltons |
| Spouse(s) |
Frank S. Jenkins
(m. 1964; died 2014) |
| Children | 1 |
Lynn Hamilton (born April 25, 1930 – died June 19, 2025) was a talented American actress. She was famous for her roles in popular TV shows. Many people remember her as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford's girlfriend on the sitcom Sanford and Son (from 1972 to 1977). She also played Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons (from 1973 to 1981). Lynn Hamilton also appeared as cousin Georgia Anderson in the miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
Contents
Early Life of Lynn Hamilton
Growing Up in Mississippi and Illinois
Alzenia Lynn Hamilton was born on April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Her parents were Nancy and Louis Hamilton. When she was twelve years old, her family moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois.
Lynn Hamilton's Education
Lynn Hamilton went to Bloom High School. After high school, she decided to study acting. She trained at the Goodman Theatre, which helped her prepare for her future career.
Lynn Hamilton's Acting Career
Starting on Stage
Lynn Hamilton began her acting journey in community theater in Chicago. She then moved to New York City to perform on Broadway. Her first Broadway play was Only in America in 1959. She appeared in three other Broadway plays and many Off-Broadway shows. She also spent three years performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival.
Famous TV Roles
Lynn Hamilton became very well-known for her role as Donna Harris on the TV sitcom Sanford and Son. Donna was Fred Sanford's girlfriend and sometimes his fiancée. She was a nurse and often took care of Fred. This role was one of Lynn Hamilton's most popular characters. She first appeared on the show as a landlady before becoming a regular cast member.
Lynn Hamilton also had a recurring role as Verdie Grant Foster on The Waltons. Verdie was a neighbor of the Walton family. Lynn Hamilton appeared as Verdie Foster many times from 1973 through 1981.
Other TV Appearances
Lynn Hamilton appeared in many other television shows. She was in sitcoms like Good Times and 227. She also acted in soap operas such as Dangerous Women and Generations. She had roles in miniseries like Roots: The Next Generations.
She also made guest appearances in classic shows like The Golden Girls and Gunsmoke. Lynn Hamilton played Judge Fulton in the legal drama The Practice.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family Life
Lynn Hamilton was married to Frank Jenkins, who was a poet and playwright. They were married for 49 years, from November 1964 until his death in August 2014.
A Common Misconception
There was a rumor that Lynn Hamilton was the younger sister of actress LaWanda Page. LaWanda Page played Esther Anderson on Sanford and Son. However, this rumor was not true. Even though they shared the same last name and worked together, they were not related. They did become good friends, though!
Lynn Hamilton's Passing
Lynn Hamilton passed away at her home in Chicago on June 19, 2025. She was 95 years old. She left behind a wonderful legacy of acting roles that continue to be enjoyed by many.
Images for kids
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Hamilton in a 1972 publicity photo for Sanford and Son
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Hamilton in 2012
See also
In Spanish: Lynn Hamilton para niños
