Overview

Lynn Hamilton is an American retired actress known for her roles in television and film. Born on April 25, 1930, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she began her acting career in community theatre and made her Broadway debut in 1959. She gained prominence for her recurring role as Donna Harris, Fred Sanford’s girlfriend, on the sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’ (1972–1977). Hamilton also had a recurring role as Verdie Grant Foster on ‘The Waltons’. Her career spans several decades, with appearances in numerous television series, soap operas, and miniseries, including ‘Good Times’, ‘227’, ‘Dangerous Women’, ‘Generations’, ‘Port Charles’, ‘The Golden Girls’, and ‘Roots: The Next Generations’. She has also appeared in films such as ‘Lady Sings the Blues’, ‘Roots II’, ‘Elvis and Me’, and ‘Leadbelly’. Lynn Hamilton was married to Frank S. Jenkins from 1964 until his death in 2014 and they had one child. She retired from acting in 2009.

What Is Lynn Hamilton’s Net Worth?

Lynn Hamilton, a celebrated American actress, has accumulated a net worth of $1 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades, marked by notable roles in television and film. While the precise breakdown of her assets isn’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that her net worth primarily comprises earnings from acting roles, potential residuals, and any personal investments she may have made.

Lynn Hamilton’s Career and Earnings

Lynn Hamilton embarked on her acting journey in April 1930, carving a niche for herself with consistent appearances in various TV series and films. A pivotal role that significantly contributed to her recognition and likely her earnings was her portrayal of Donna Harris in the iconic TV series “Sanford and Son,” where she appeared from 1972 to 1977. While specific salary details from her time on “Sanford and Son” aren’t publicly accessible, being a regular on a successful primetime show during that era would have provided a steady income stream. It’s important to consider that actors during that period didn’t command the exorbitant salaries that are common today, but consistent work on a popular show certainly contributed positively to her financial standing.

Following “Sanford and Son,” Hamilton secured a role as Cousin Georgia Anderson in the acclaimed TV mini-series “Roots” in 1979. Although the exact financial terms of her contract for “Roots” are unavailable, the miniseries was a massive cultural phenomenon, and participation in such a high-profile project would have undoubtedly enhanced her reputation and potential future earnings. Her role as Verdie Grant Foster in the series “The Waltons” from 1973 to 1981 represents another significant portion of her career. While specific episode fees are unknown, eight years of recurring work on a popular family drama would have provided another consistent source of income. Recurring roles on “227” (1986-1989), “Dangerous Women” (1991-1992), and “The Practice” (1997-2002) also contributed to her acting income. Each of these roles, while potentially smaller than her roles on “Sanford and Son” or “The Waltons,” provided additional earnings over extended periods.

Beyond television, Lynn Hamilton has a portfolio of film credits, including “Shadows,” “Brother John,” “The Seven Minutes,” “Buck and the Preacher,” “Lady Sings the Blues,” “Hangup,” “Leadbelly,” “The Jesse Owens Story,” “Legal Eagles,” “The Vanishing,” and “Beach: A Black Woman Speaks.” The earnings from these films would have varied based on the size and significance of her roles, as well as the budgets of the respective productions. Some of these films, such as “Lady Sings the Blues,” were significant productions that would have offered better compensation, while smaller independent films may have paid less. The cumulative impact of these film roles would have further contributed to her overall net worth.

Other Ventures and Potential Assets

While acting appears to be the primary source of Lynn Hamilton’s net worth, other potential income streams could include residuals from past TV appearances and films. Residual payments are compensation paid to actors when their work is re-broadcast or distributed in various formats. The exact amount of residuals she receives would depend on the specific contracts she negotiated and the ongoing popularity of the shows and films in which she appeared. It is difficult to ascertain the exact amounts of residuals she may receive without access to her specific contracts, but residuals can provide a steady supplemental income for actors throughout their careers. Moreover, like many in the entertainment industry, Lynn Hamilton may have engaged in various commercial endorsements or investments to diversify her income. However, details about specific endorsements or investment portfolios are not publicly accessible. It is plausible that Lynn Hamilton owns real estate properties, which would constitute a portion of her assets. However, without access to her personal financial records, it is impossible to confirm or specify the location or value of any real estate holdings she may possess.

Family and Personal Life

Lynn Hamilton’s personal life provides some context to her career and financial journey. As the older sister of actress and comedian LaWanda Page, there’s a family connection to the entertainment industry, potentially providing mutual support and understanding. Hamilton’s marriage of 50 years, prior to her husband’s passing, suggests a stable personal life, which can often positively influence financial stability. It also suggests a long-term partnership where assets and finances may have been jointly managed. The presence of one child indicates potential familial financial responsibilities, which may have influenced financial decisions throughout her career. However, without specific details, the precise impact of her family life on her net worth remains speculative. It’s important to note that while Lynn Hamilton’s current net worth is estimated at $1 million, this figure is an approximation based on publicly available information. The actual value of her assets and liabilities may differ based on various factors, including private financial decisions and market fluctuations. This information is based on information available as of March 7, 2025.

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