15 Facts About Kim Hamilton

Kim Hamilton's career spanned more than half a century, from the early 1950s to 2010.

Kim Hamilton was one of the first African-American actors to appear on the soap opera Days of Our Lives and was the only African-American to appear in a speaking role on Leave It to Beaver.

Kim Hamilton portrayed, in an uncredited role, Helen Robinson in the 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee's novel of the same name.

Kim Hamilton was the film's last surviving African-American adult cast member with a speaking role.

Kim Hamilton was born in Los Angeles, California and, as a young woman, initially wanted to work as a model.

Kim Hamilton made her professional acting debut in the 1950s television sitcom Amos 'n' Andy, playing the girlfriend of Andy in several episodes.

Kim Hamilton briefly moved to London to pursue acting there.

Kim Hamilton was able to find some roles but returned to the United States after the British Actors' Equity Association and the Secretary of State for Employment denied her a work permit, a practice commonly used against American actors at the time.

Kim Hamilton appeared in more than 60 television series and television films throughout her career.

Kim Hamilton was one of the first black actresses to appear on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Kim Hamilton portrayed Songi in "Final Mission," a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Kim Hamilton's last television credit was a 2008 episode of the ABC series Private Practice.

In December 2007, Kim Hamilton was honored for her career achievements by Columbia University and the Harlem community at an event held at the Museum of the City of New York.

Kim Hamilton's honor was part of series of Columbia University's Big Read program, which focused on To Kill a Mockingbird through guest lectures, productions, and panel discussions.

Kim Hamilton then dated German-born actor Werner Klemperer for more than two decades before they married in 1997.