Lynn Hamilton, best known for her role as Donna Harris in “Sanford and Son,” died June 19 at the age of 95.
Her former manager and publicist, Dr. Rev. Calvin Carson, issued a Facebook statement Friday confirming her death.
“Lynn Hamilton transitioned completely on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by her grandson, loved ones and caregivers,” he wrote.
“Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.”
JERSEY CITY, NJ – DECEMBER 02: Actress Lynn Hamilton attends the 40th Anniversary Reunion Of ”The Waltons” at Landmark Loew’s – Jersey City on December 2, 2011 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)
“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,” his statement continued. “Her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, motivating across the globe through her work as a model, stage, film, and television actress.”
Carson listed a number of Hamilton’s most prominent roles, including “Dangerous Women,” “Roots: The Next Generation,” and “A Dream for Christmas.” Other notable credits include the first-ever black soap opera, “Generations,” as well as “The Waltons,” “The Jesse Owens Story,” “The Practice” and “Lady Sings the Blues.”
She was a regular on “Sanford and Son,” and she appeared on the sitcom from 1972-1977.
JERSEY CITY, NJ – DECEMBER 02: (L-R) Walton’s cast members (front row): Eric Scott, David Huddleston,Judy Norton, Michael Learned, Lynn Hamilton, (back row): Kami Cotler, David Harper, Mary McDonough, Jon Walmsley, Ellen Geer, and Radames Pera attend the 40th Anniversary Reunion Of “The Waltons” at Landmark Loew’s – Jersey City on December 2, 2011 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)
Hamilton’s film credits include “Hangup” and “Leadbelly” (1976), as well as “Legal Eagles,” “The Vanishing,” and “Beah: A Black Woman Speaks.”
“Lynn was also the recipient of the prestigious NAACP Award, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry,” Carson wrote.
Hamilton’s former manager told fans the famous actress frequently collaborated with her husband, Frank S. Jenkins, “on various theater productions including the acclaimed play ‘Nobody,’ ‘The Bert Williams Story.’”
“Their partnership was a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication,” he said in his Facebook statement.
Fans and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Hamilton and the legacy she left behind.
