A former Broadway actress, she was a no-nonsense foil for the unruly Fred Sanford. She also warmed hearts with a recurring role on the “The Waltons.”

Hamilton “transitioned peacefully” on Thursday at her Chicago home, “surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers,” her former manager and publicist, Rev. Dr. Calvin Carson, said in

Hamilton rose to fame for her portrayal of Sanford's girlfriend, Donna Harris, and also had roles on "Gunsmoke," "Roots: The New Generation," and "The Golden Girls."