LisaGay Hamilton is a powerhouse actress and filmmaker known for her dynamic presence in film, television, and theater. From the gripping drama of The Practice to her critically acclaimed role in Beloved, she captivates audiences with every performance. Her story is one of talent, determination, and heart.
Guess what? LisaGay Hamilton’s journey wasn’t always in the spotlight. She quietly built her craft through dedication and education, turning passion into a flourishing career. You’ll discover how her roots and experiences shaped a remarkable artist who inspires many today.
Let’s dive in and uncover the LisaGay Hamilton biography, exploring her childhood, breakthrough moments, and the legacy she’s creating in the entertainment world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, this story offers a rewarding glimpse into a stellar career.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | LisaGay Hamilton |
| Real Name | LisaGay Hamilton |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Family Background | Father – Ira Hamilton (engineer, contractor), Mother – Tina Hamilton (Girl Scouts worker) |
| Education | BA Drama, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU (1985); MFA Acting, Juilliard School (1989) |
| Early Career | Started in theater, recognized for Shakespearean roles |
| Breakthrough Role | Rebecca Washington onThe Practice(1997–2003) |
| Peak Career Highlights | TV:The Practice,Men of a Certain Age; Films:Beloved,The Soloist; Theater: August Wilson plays |
| Age | 61 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 115 pounds |
| Major Awards | Peabody Award (2005), Obie Awards, Drama Desk nominations |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Married to Robin D.G. Kelley since 2009 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.7 million |
| Notable Works | The Practice,Beloved,House of Cards |
| Other Contributions | Directed documentaryBeah: A Black Woman Speaks |
| Social Media Presence | Low profile; official website |
Early Life and Education
Full Name
LisaGay Hamilton
Real Name
She is professionally known by her real name, LisaGay Hamilton.
Date of Birth
Born on March 25, 1964, LisaGay Hamilton celebrates her contributions as an actress and director at 61 years old in 2025.
Childhood
LisaGay grew up in a nurturing environment after her family moved from Los Angeles, California to Stony Brook, New York. Her early years were marked by a strong connection to her family and community, setting the stage for her empathetic approach to storytelling.
Family Background
Her father, Ira Hamilton, was an engineer and general contractor, while her mother, Tina Hamilton, worked with the Girl Scouts. Both parents were college-educated, which emphasized the value of learning and resilience in LisaGay’s life.
School/University
After beginning her theater studies at Carnegie Mellon University, she transferred to the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama in 1985. Determined to hone her craft further, she completed her Master of Fine Arts in Acting at The Juilliard School by 1989.
Also Read About: Catriona McGinn
Career Journey
Before Fame
Early Career
LisaGay Hamilton’s first steps into acting started in theater, where she developed a rich foundation. She quickly gained recognition with compelling performances in off-Broadway and regional productions.
Breakthrough
Her breakout role as Rebecca Washington in the hit ABC legal drama The Practice (1997–2003) put her on the map. This role earned her praise for bringing depth and nuance to a strong, intelligent character.
Peak Years
From the late ’90s through the 2010s, LisaGay starred in a mix of projects including films like Beloved (1998) and The Soloist (2009), as well as television roles in House of Cards and Chance. She balanced mainstream success with stage work, earning awards and acclaim for performances in August Wilson’s plays and other classics.
Physical Appearance
Age
As of 2025, she is 61 years old.
Height
LisaGay Hamilton stands about 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) tall.
Weight
Approximately 115 pounds.
Body Measurement
Her exact figures are private.
Physical Attributes
LisaGay’s expressive eyes and poised demeanor blend perfectly with her intense and thoughtful acting style, making her performances unforgettable.
Also Read About: Roux Lopez
Major Achievements
Awards
- Peabody Award in 2005 for directing the documentary Beah: A Black Woman Speaks (2003)
- Grand Jury Prize winner at the AFI Film Festival for the same documentary
- Obie Awards for exceptional theater performances
Records
She stands out as a versatile actress who bridges film, television, and theater without compromising artistic integrity.
Notable Works
- The Practice (TV Series)
- Beloved (Film)
- The Soloist (Film)
- Men of a Certain Age (TV Series)
- House of Cards (Netflix Series)
Contributions
LisaGay has championed African American narratives in mainstream and indie projects alike. She directed and produced works preserving cultural legacies, including the poetry and activism of Beah Richards.
Personal Life
Nationality
LisaGay Hamilton is American.
Ethnicity
She proudly identifies as African American.
Religion
There’s no public information about her religious beliefs.
Relationships
She’s married to Robin D.G. Kelley, a respected historian and professor, since 2009.
Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is around $1.7 million.
Hobbies
Outside of acting, she enjoys storytelling, directing, and community engagement.
Social Media Presence
LisaGay keeps a low profile on social media but maintains an official website promoting her work.
Legacy and Influence
LisaGay Hamilton’s impact goes beyond her screen and stage roles. She inspires new generations of actors, especially African Americans, to pursue serious, complex characters with authenticity. Her work in preserving black cultural history through film and education solidifies her place as a trailblazer in the arts. Moreover, she demonstrates how talent combined with education can shape a lasting legacy.
Also Read About: Daisy Blooms
Interesting Facts
- She directed Beah: A Black Woman Speaks, a documentary on black actress Beah Richards
- LisaGay Hamilton studied classical theater extensively, including Shakespearean roles
- She is a faculty member at USC School of Dramatic Arts
- Played a significant role in August Wilson’s original Broadway productions
- Balances acting and directing with educational contributions
- She prefers to work on projects with meaningful social impact
- LisaGay is known for her humility and inspirational mentorship to young actors
FAQs
Who is LisaGay Hamilton?
LisaGay Hamilton is an acclaimed African American actress known for her powerful roles in film, TV, and theater.
What is LisaGay Hamilton known for?
She is best known for her TV role on The Practice and her film work in Beloved.
How tall is LisaGay Hamilton?
LisaGay Hamilton is about 5 feet 1 inch tall.
What awards has LisaGay Hamilton won?
She won the Peabody Award for her documentary direction and multiple theater awards like the Obie.
Is LisaGay Hamilton married?
Yes, she has been married to Robin D.G. Kelley since 2009.
Conclusion
LisaGay Hamilton’s biography is a rich tapestry of dedication, talent, and impact. From her early days in New York to starring on screen and stage, she carved a respected path in entertainment. Her achievements in acting, directing, and education show her passion for storytelling and cultural preservation.
If this journey into LisaGay Hamilton’s life inspired you, feel free to share your thoughts, comment below, or explore her amazing works. Don’t miss out—subscribe for more biographies that bring real stories to light!
Read more about LisaGay Hamilton on IMDb Profile
About the Author
