Lynn Hamilton Passes Away at 95

Lynn Hamilton, widely recognized for her portrayal of Donna Harris in “Sanford and Son,” died on June 19th at the age of 95.

Her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, shared a statement on Facebook confirming her passing.

He wrote, “Lynn Hamilton transitioned to peace on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones, and caregivers.” He also added, “Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

Carson expressed deep admiration for Hamilton, noting, “With serious appreciation, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Arzenia ‘Lynn’ Hamilton Jenkins. Her career, which spanned over 50 years, brought inspiration to audiences globally as a model, stage, film, and television actress. She truly left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.”

Some of Hamilton’s notable works included roles in “Dangerous Woman,” “Roots: The Next Generation,” and “Christmas Dream.” She was also recognized for her involvement in the first-ever Black soap opera, “Generation,” as well as appearances in “The Waltons,” “Jesse Owens Story,” “Practice,” and “Lady Sings the Blues.”

Hamilton was a regular on “Sanford and Son,” where she featured prominently from 1972 to 1977.

Her film credits also included “Hang Up” and “Leavelly” in 1976, “Legal Eagles,” “The Vanishing,” and “Beah: A Black Woman Speaks.”

Additionally, Carson noted that she was a recipient of the prestigious NAACP Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He also mentioned that she often collaborated with her husband, Frank S. Jenkins, stating, “Their partnership was a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication.”

Following the news, fans and friends took to social media to pay tribute to Hamilton and honor her lasting legacy.