Actress Lynn Hamilton is unforgettable for her character as Donna Harris in the 1970 TV series “Sanford and Son.” Besides her illustrious acting career, she is known for marrying a renowned playwright who passed away eight years ago.
“Sanford and Son” star Lynn Hamilton used to be one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood. Now 91 years old, the veteran actress debuted her acting career in the 1959 film “Shadows” directed by John Cassavetes.
Hamilton is not the only famous member of her family. She was married to her equally famous late husband, renowned playwright Frank Jenkins, who also successfully cemented his rightful place in the industry.
Lynn Hamilton portraying as Donna Harris in the 1970 TV series “Sanford and Son.” | Photo: Getty Images
OWNING HER STAGE
Acting did not fall on Hamilton’s lap. Back in Bloom High School, she could not bring herself up onstage as a drama club member. Years later, she stood on stage as school officials honored her with a Hall of Fame medallion. She said in a past interview:
“Kids can go there (a newly dedicated Learning Center-Library) and see (a plaque of) a Black girl who could not get an acting job there but rose in the world anyway.”
Speaking on why she did not have the time to feel bitter about the school taking a long time to recognize her, Hamilton said that back in the day, she was busy helping fellow white club members build the set and make costumes backstage.
Lynn Hamilton during her appearance at the ABC TV movie “A Dream for Christmas” in 1973. | Photo: Getty Images
Hamilton’s bittersweet return to her old school was quite memorable. Jenkins and Hamilton’s mother, Nancy, and sister, Sharon, witnessed the famous actress’s unforgettable induction ceremony.
After her time in New York, Hamilton later joined the Seattle Repertory Theater in Washington.
Hamilton had her fair share of struggles on her way to stardom. “The Waltons” actress grew up when opportunities for a Black woman like her had been scarce, compared to her white counterparts.
Lynn Hamilton during a scene on “The Illusion” on August 30, 1978. | Photo: Getty Images
HAMILTON’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
After leaving high school, Hamilton went on to study at Goodman Theater, a drama school based in Chicago, Illinois. Unfortunately, she was not able to do much during her time at the theater school.
Within four years of studying acting, she only went up on stage once – with a whiteface in front of an audience during her senior year. Afterward, she went to New York and earned a moderately successful career.
She became a member of four small-time Broadway plays and many off-Broadway productions and toured around the world. After her time in New York, Hamilton later joined the Seattle Repertory Theater in Washington.
Lynn Hamilton attends “The Waltons” 40th anniversary reunion on September 29, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. | Photo: Getty Images
A LIFE WITH JENKINS
While working with her theater group in Seattle, Hamilton met Jenkins, a poet, and a playwright. Their shared love for the arts led the pair to fall in love instantly and ultimately tie the knot.
Although the exact date of their wedding is unknown, their union seems blissful. The creative duo moved to Los Angeles, where Hamilton successfully found a career in TV and movies.
In 1970, she appeared in the comedy sitcom “Sanford and Son,” playing Donna Harris, the girlfriend of late comedian Redd Foxx’s character. Hamilton shared the spotlight with late actress LaWanda Page, who portrayed Aunt Esther.
