What Happened to Lynn Hamilton? Sanford and Son Actress Passes Away

As a gamer speaking: I’ve always admired the screen presence of Lynn Hamilton, a legendary actress whose roles in shows like Sanford and Son and The Waltons made her a household name. Sadly, I recently learned that she passed away at 95, leaving behind an impressive five-decade career filled with versatile performances across various genres. Her family and representatives confirmed the sad news, reminding us all of the indelible impact she had on television and film.

Here’s what we know so far about Lynn Hamilton’s death.

Lynn Hamilton dead at 95, claims report

95-year-old actress Lynn Hamilton, renowned for her performances in Sanford and Son and The Waltons, passed away recently.

In a joint statement shared on Facebook, it was confirmed that she had sadly passed away on June 19, 2025. The announcement indicated she was surrounded by her beloved grandchildren, family members, and care providers at the time of her passing.

Carson expressed his deep appreciation and admiration by stating, “We honor the extraordinary life of Lynn Hamilton-Jenkins, a legendary actress, with gratitude. Her exceptional legacy continues to uplift and inspire us all. Her impressive career, which spanned more than five decades, has made a lasting impact on the entertainment world, captivating audiences worldwide through her roles as a model, stage performer, and actress in film and television.

Hamilton played the characters Donna Harris on Sanford and Son and Verdie Foster on The Waltons. She also featured in the comedy series Dangerous Women, soap opera Generations, and miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. Notably, she starred in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues alongside Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, and Richard Pryor.

She made her debut on screen in the 1958 movie “Shadows,” directed by John Cassavetes. During her acting journey, she appeared as a guest star in shows like Gunsmoke, Good Times, and The Young and the Restless. Carson observed that she frequently worked with her late spouse, playwright Frank Jenkins, on various projects.

Carson shared that Lynn had been honored with the esteemed NAACP Award, reflecting her remarkable achievements in the entertainment world. He added, “With her departure, we’re ushering in the end of an era; however, her impactful legacy will carry on, inspiring and uplifting future generations.

Hamilton attended the 40th Anniversary Reunion of The Waltons in 2011. 

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2025-06-23 08:41