Lynn Hamilton, Actress Known for ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Sanford and Son,’ Dies at 95

Hamilton’s former manager and publicist confirmed she died from natural causes.

Actress Lynn Hamilton attends the 40th Anniversary Reunion of 'The Waltons’ at Landmark Loew's Jersey City on Dec. 2, 2011. Bennett Raglin/Getty Images

Actress Lynn Hamilton, best known for her roles on “Sanford and Son” and “The Waltons,” has died at 95 years of age.

Her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, confirmed news of her passing via social media on June 21.

Hamilton died of natural causes at her home in Chicago, Illinois, 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,” read the statement.

“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.”

Carson went on to highlight her other notable performances across popular television series and movies, including “Dangerous Women,” “Roots: The Next Generation,” “A Dream for Christmas,” “Generations,” “The Jesse Owens Story,” and “The Practice.”

“Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations,” continued the statement.

Born in 1930 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton moved to the Chicago area as a young girl, where she discovered a passion for the performing arts.

She went on to graduate from the Goodman School of Drama and gained acting experience through a community theater company on the South Side of the city.

In 1956, Hamilton moved to New York to embark on a Broadway career, making her debut in the play “Only in America,” and later holding roles in “The Cool World,” “Face of a Hero,” and “Tambourines to Glory.”

Film, TV Debuts

She made her film debut in John Cassavetes’ “Shadows” in 1959, which opened the door to dozens of acting credits on television sitcoms, soap operas, films, and miniseries throughout her over 60-year career.

Hamilton rose to prominence on the NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son,” where she starred as nurse Donna Harris until 1977.

She also held a recurring role on the CBS drama “The Waltons” through 1981 and appeared in guest roles on “Days of Our Lives,” “The Golden Girls,” “Port Charles,” and “NYPD Blue.”

Hamilton was the recipient of the NAACP Award in 1984, something Carson referred to as “a testament to her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.”

She was married to playwright Frank Jenkins until he died in 2014 at 89 years old, with whom she frequently collaborated on a number of stage productions and together displayed a partnership of “creativity, love, and dedication.”