Lynn Hamilton, Sanford and Son and The Waltons actress, dead at 95

Lynn Hamilton, the actress best known for her roles in the NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son” and the CBS historical drama series “The Waltons,” has died.She was 95.Hamilton died Thursday of natural causes in her Chicago home, according to her former manager and publicist, Rev.

Calvin Carson.“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,” Carson wrote on Facebook.“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,” the statement added.Hamilton, according to Carson, was “surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers” when she passed away.Born on April 25, 1930 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton moved to Chicago Heights when she was 11 years old and studied acting at Goodman Theater.

After relocating to New York in 1956, Hamilton made her Broadway debut in the play “Only in America” and her film debut in John Cassavetes’ 1959 drama “Shadows.”Hamilton first appeared on “Sanford and Son” in the seventh episode as a landlady, before she was cast in a recurring role as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford’s girlfriend and later fiancée.In a 2009 interview, Hamilton said that producers were “so impressed” with her scene as the landlady that they decided to create the role of Donna for her. “I among, I don’t know, 100 other actresses in Hollywood auditioned,” she recalled.

“We had a screen test … He was impressed with my experience.He always said, ‘You’re so dignified and I need somebody dignified opposite me.’ “Hamilton starred on “Sanford and Son” from 1972 to 1977.

During that time, she made her first appearance as Verdie on “The Waltons,” a role that lasted from 1973 to 1981.In addition, Hamilton ma...