Lynn Hamilton’s Final Bow: ‘Sanford and Son’ Star Dies at 95
Cut to the chase: Lynn Hamilton, the indelible presence who brought both grit and grace to small-screen staples Sanford and Son and The Waltons, has passed away at 95. According to an announcement from her family obtained by People Magazine, Hamilton died peacefully at her Pasadena residence on June 9. Born June 25, 1927, in Pasadena, California, she built a formidable career spanning five decades and dozens of memorably authentic performances.
Hamilton first honed her craft at Pasadena Playhouse and on New York stages before landing television roles that cemented her status as a versatile character actor. In 1972, she debuted as Harriet “Hattie” Wilson, Lamont Sanford’s resilient wife on the hit NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. Over five seasons, Hamilton infused Harriet with steely warmth, giving the show a dynamic emotional anchor. Variety notes that her scenes opposite Demond Wilson helped redefine sitcom depth in an era that largely relegated Black women to sidelines.
Alongside her landmark sitcom stint, Hamilton appeared three times on CBS’s The Waltons, playing Edna Abernathy in both 1972 and 1975 episodes. Her turn as a sharecropper mother in “The Tenement” earned praise for grounding a family drama in raw historical reality. The Hollywood Reporter credits her guest work on Mannix, Ironside and Good Times for showcasing range beyond comedy or rural melodrama. Hamilton even ventured into drama with a recurring arc on The Bold Ones: The New Doctors, proving adaptability remained her trademark.
Behind the scenes, she was a respected mentor at local theaters and actively supported the Pasadena Playhouse’s scholarship fund, according to board minutes obtained by People. Colleagues remember her as gracious on-set, always ready to run lines or lend wardrobe tips. She never sought the spotlight off camera but warmly accepted accolades, including a 2008 TV Land Award honoring Sanford and Son’s enduring legacy.
Despite her retreat from the screen in the 1990s, Hamilton left an indelible mark on TV history—one vividly reflected in streaming revivals and classic-television retrospectives. Her portrayal of everyday strength continues to resonate with audiences discovering Black television pioneers today. Late last month, actress Demond Wilson posted on Instagram, “I owe much to Lynn’s poise and professionalism—her influence shaped my career,” underscoring the deep personal bonds she forged.
Hamilton is survived by nieces and nephews who plan a private service this summer, per family spokesperson statements shared with Variety. Her ashes will rest alongside her late husband, Roy D. Hamilton, in Pasadena’s Mountain View Cemetery—an apt final scene for a woman whose artistry carried viewers into homes nationwide.
And there you have it. Make of that what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
