Robert Henry Hamilton (1951-1969) Werner Klemperer (1997–2000; his death)
Children
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Kim Hamilton (born Dorothy Mae Aiken; September 12, 1932 – September 16, 2013) was an American film and television actress, as well as a director, writer, and artist. Her career spanned more than half a century, from the early 1950s to 2010.[1] Hamilton's early film credits included the 1959 film noirOdds Against Tomorrow opposite Harry Belafonte and The Leech Woman in 1960.[1] She was also one of the first African-American actors to appear on the soap operaDays of Our Lives and was the only African-American to appear in a speaking role on Leave It to Beaver.[2][1]
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. She was the film's last surviving African-American adult cast member with a speaking role.[3]
Early life and career
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2013)
Hamilton was born in Los Angeles, California and, as a young woman, initially wanted to work as a model. However, she said she could not find work in the fashion industry, owing to her short stature and race.[1] Instead, prompted by an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, she enrolled in acting classes and enlisted the services of an agent.[1] Hamilton made her professional acting debut in the 1950s television sitcomAmos 'n' Andy, playing the girlfriend of Andy (Spencer Williams) in several episodes.[1]
Hamilton was also an artist, director, and writer. In her final works, she was credited as Kim Rousseau.[4]
In December 2007, 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.[3] 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.[3]
Personal life and death
Kim Hamilton was married twice. Her first marriage, at age 18, was to Robert Henry Hamilton in 1951. They had two children and divorced ten years later. Her son Robert predeceased her.[citation needed]. She then dated German-born actor Werner Klemperer for more than two decades before they married in 1997.[1] They remained together until Klemperer's death on December 6, 2000.[6]
In her later years, Hamilton divided her time between her home in Manhattan and her other residence in her hometown of Los Angeles. In 2013, four days after her 81st birthday, she died of undisclosed causes while in Los Angeles.[2][7][8]
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