Lynn Hamilton, the talented actress known for her roles in classic television shows, has left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. This article pays tribute to her remarkable career and contributions.
Lynn Hamilton: A Tribute to the Iconic Actress
Lynn Hamilton, the theater-trained actress who portrayed the girlfriend of Redd Foxx’s character on Sanford and Son and the neighborly Miss Verdie on The Waltons, has passed away at the age of 95.
Her Legacy and Career
Hamilton died on Thursday of natural causes at her home in Chicago, as confirmed by her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, to The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition to her memorable roles on television, Hamilton starred as the matriarch Vivian Potter on the NBC daytime drama Generations from 1989 to 1991. This show faced tough competition from CBS’s ratings powerhouse The Young and the Restless. She also played Cissie Johnson, one of the ex-cons featured on the 1991-92 nighttime soap Dangerous Women.
Her versatility shone through in her portrayal of Cousin Georgia Anderson on the 1979 miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. Hamilton had recurring roles as the snippy Emma Johnson on NBC’s 227 and as a judge on ABC’s The Practice.
Film Appearances
The Chicago-raised actress made her big-screen debut in John Cassavetes’ Shadows (1959) and appeared in films such as Brother John (1971), Buck and the Preacher (1972), Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Leadbelly (1976), and Legal Eagles (1986).
Notable Television Roles
Hamilton first appeared on NBC’s Sanford and Son in its seventh episode in February 1972, playing a landlady who gives Demond Wilson’s Lamont Sanford a hard time after he moves into his own bachelor pad. The producers were so impressed with her performance that they later decided to give Fred Sanford a girlfriend. Hamilton was cast as registered nurse Donna Harris, a role that allowed her to showcase her dignity opposite the comedic Foxx.
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While working on Sanford and Son, Hamilton made her debut on The Waltons in February 1973, appearing in an episode where John-Boy gives Verdie reading and writing lessons. She appeared in 16 other installments of the series until 1981.
Early Life and Education
Alzenia Lynn Hamilton was born on April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. After moving to Chicago at the age of 4, she attended Bloom High School in Chicago Heights. Hamilton graduated from the Goodman School of Drama Theater, but faced challenges as the only Black actor in her class.
Despite the lack of roles, she gained experience with a South Side theater company and later moved to New York, where she appeared in Shadows and on Broadway in several short-lived plays.
Final Years and Personal Life
Hamilton was married to poet and playwright Frank Jenkins from 1964 until his death in 2014. They collaborated on multiple stage productions throughout their marriage.
