Kim Hamilton

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. She was also 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.

Early life and career 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. She was also one of the first black actresses to appear on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. She portrayed Songi in "Final Mission," a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Her last television credit was a 2008 episode of the ABC series Private Practice.

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.

Filmography

Films Year Title Role Notes 1957 Something of Value Kipi's Wife Uncredited 1959 Odds Against Tomorrow Ruth Ingram 1960 Young Malla 1961 Teegra, Yasmin's Servant Uncredited 1962 A Public Affair Mrs. Hendrickson 1962 To Kill a Mockingbird Helen Robinson, Tom's Wife Uncredited 1966 Nurse 1971 Kotch Emma Daly 1973 Heavy Traffic Voice 1981 Body and Soul Mrs. Johnson

Television