kids encyclopedia robot

Lynn Hamilton (actress) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Lynn Hamilton
Lynn Hamilton 1972.jpg
Hamilton in a 1972 publicity photo for Sanford and Son
Born
Alzenia Lynn Hamilton

(1930-04-25)April 25, 1930
Died June 19, 2025(2025-06-19) (aged 95)
Occupation Actress
Years active 1958–2009
Notable work
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.

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
Hamilton in 2012

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lynn Hamilton para niños

kids search engine
Lynn Hamilton (actress) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.