Rest in peace, Lynn Hamilton, your powerful presence will forever light up the screen

Lynn Hamilton, the iconic actress who brought grace and warmth to television screens across the globe, has passed away at the age of 95. 

Known for her unforgettable role as Donna Harris on the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, Hamilton was a revered figure whose remarkable career spanned five decades.

Her quiet strength and elegance on screen made her a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond, touching the hearts of audiences with her deep presence and dignified performances.

The news of her death, which was confirmed by her former publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, marks the end of an era for many who grew up watching her on television.

While the world mourns her passing, it also celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy she leaves behind.

Hamilton’s journey to stardom was not an easy one. Born Alzenia Lynn Hamilton in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she spent much of her early years in the South before relocating to Chicago Heights, Illinois, at the age of 12.

From a young age, Hamilton was drawn to the arts, and by her teenage years, she had already decided that acting was her calling. She honed her skills at Bloom High School before studying at the prestigious Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

While many of her peers in the theatre world gravitated toward behind-the-scenes work, Hamilton set herself apart by focusing on “straight” acting, with the goal of performing on stage rather than pursuing directing or other behind-the-scenes roles.

This dedication to her craft would eventually lead her to a remarkable career on Broadway and in television, where she would become one of the first Black actresses to break down barriers in an industry that was often closed off to people of color.

Hamilton’s acting career took off in New York, where she worked her way up through community theater, taking on various roles before making her Broadway debut in 1959 with Only in America.

Her stage work caught the attention of the theater world, and she went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including Off-Broadway performances and a notable stint with the New York Shakespeare Festival.

This period of Hamilton’s career laid the foundation for her transition into television and film, where her calm strength and incredible range would make her a standout performer.

As the 1960s unfolded, Hamilton’s journey took her from New York to Seattle, where she continued her work in theater before eventually relocating to Los Angeles.

The timing of her move to Hollywood was pivotal. The 1960s saw the rise of the civil rights movement, and it was during this time that the entertainment industry began to recognize the importance of Black talent.

Hamilton arrived in Hollywood at the perfect moment, with opportunities opening up for Black actors who had been largely excluded from the mainstream film and television industry.

It was during this period that Hamilton began to make her mark on television, first with notable guest appearances and then with more significant roles.

Hamilton’s breakthrough role came in 1972 when she was cast as Donna Harris on Sanford and Son, the beloved sitcom starring Redd Foxx.

Originally meant to be a one-off character, Hamilton’s portrayal of Donna, Fred Sanford’s girlfriend, quickly won over audiences. Her role was intended as a simple landlady, but Hamilton’s powerful performance turned her into an integral part of the show.

She brought a warmth and elegance to her character that contrasted perfectly with Foxx’s brash, loud-mouthed Fred Sanford, creating a dynamic that resonated with viewers.

Though her role was initially brief, Hamilton’s portrayal of Donna became a central part of the show’s success, and her chemistry with Foxx brought an emotional depth to the show that many fans came to cherish.

Hamilton’s role in Sanford and Son was just the beginning of her illustrious career on television. She would go on to make appearances on a wide range of shows, including The Waltons, where she portrayed one of the few Black characters on the show, Roots: The Next Generation, The Golden Girls, 227, and Generations.

Her range was evident in her ability to move seamlessly between sitcoms, dramas, and soap operas. She brought a sense of grace and dignity to every role she took on, leaving an indelible mark on every series she appeared in.

In addition to her television work, Hamilton also made appearances in films, further cementing her place as a versatile and talented actress.

Her performances were marked by their quiet strength, a quality that made her stand out in an industry often focused on flashy performances.

Hamilton’s ability to portray both the strength and vulnerability of her characters made her a rare and valuable asset to every production she was part of.

Whether she was playing a supportive mother, a loving partner, or a wise elder, Hamilton’s characters always exuded a quiet dignity that made her unforgettable.

Throughout her career, Hamilton was a trailblazer for Black actresses in Hollywood, opening doors for future generations of Black talent.

She was one of the few Black women in Hollywood at the time who was able to land significant roles in both television and film, and she did so without compromising her values or her identity.

Hamilton’s talent, grace, and quiet strength made her a role model for countless aspiring actresses who saw in her a reflection of their own potential.

Her impact on the industry was undeniable, and her work paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.

As her career progressed, Hamilton continued to work in television until 2009, when she made her last acting appearance in an episode of Cold Case.

Though she retired from acting after that, her legacy in the entertainment world remained strong. In the years following her retirement, Hamilton was remembered not only for her impressive body of work but also for the strength and integrity she brought to every role she played.

Her impact on the entertainment industry and on the lives of those who watched her will never be forgotten.

When news of her passing broke on June 19, 2025, tributes from fans, friends, and fellow actors poured in, celebrating her incredible life and career.

Hamilton’s family, in a heartfelt statement, described her as a woman whose legacy continues to uplift and inspire. 

“With profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Alzenia ‘Lynn’ Hamilton-Jenkins,” the statement read.

“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.”

Her family emphasized that although her passing marked the end of an era, her legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins for 49 years until his passing in 2014. She is survived by her grandchildren and close friends, all of whom will continue to carry on her memory and legacy.

As her family and fans mourn her loss, they can take solace in the knowledge that Hamilton’s work and contributions to the world of entertainment will never be forgotten.

In conclusion, Lynn Hamilton’s passing at the age of 95 marks the end of an era for both the entertainment industry and for all those who admired her talent and grace.

Her journey from the stage to Hollywood, breaking down barriers along the way, made her a beloved and respected figure.

She will be remembered not only for her incredible talent but also for the quiet strength and dignity she brought to every role she played. 

As we reflect on her remarkable career, we celebrate the lasting impact she had on the world of television and film, and we honor the legacy of a woman who will forever be an icon in the hearts of those who had the privilege of watching her shine.