Lynn Hamilton, a beloved actress best known for her role on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has passed away at the age of 95. Her death was announced by her former manager and publicist, Calvin Carson, in a social media post on June 19, 2025. Carson noted that Hamilton died peacefully, surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones, and caregivers. Her passing marks the end of a long and memorable career in television and film.
Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hamilton gained national recognition for portraying Donna Harris, the devoted fiancée of Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, on NBC’s Sanford and Son. The show aired from 1972 to 1977 and has continued to be a fan favorite through reruns. Her role brought warmth and stability to the often chaotic comedic world of Fred Sanford, and her performance left a lasting impression on television audiences.
Lynn Hamilton, Beloved ‘Sanford and Son’ Star and TV Pioneer, Dies Peacefully at 95TV Icon Lynn Hamilton, Star Of Sanford And Son, Dies Peacefully At Ninety-Five
Hamilton’s acting career spanned several decades and included a range of roles beyond Sanford and Son. She had guest roles on The Waltons, The Practice, and the popular sitcom Moesha. Additionally, she was part of the groundbreaking NBC soap opera Generations, which was the first to center on a Black American family, showcasing her dedication to inclusive and meaningful storytelling.
Her final credited appearance came in the 2003 documentary Beah: A Black Woman Speaks, where she contributed to telling the story of fellow actress Beah Richards. Though retired from acting for many years, Lynn Hamilton’s contributions to television, especially as a pioneering Black actress in mainstream media, remain significant. She is survived by her grandchildren and other close friends who were with her during her final moments.