A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Hayman was known for her role as Sadie Gray in the ABC television soap opera One Life to Live (1968–1986).
She was also a notable actress on Broadway, originating roles in several new musicals including Doctor Jazz, Hallelujah, Baby!, 70, Girls, 70, and Kwamina.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Hayman graduated from Wilberforce University with a BA before she began her career in the Broadway theatre.
Hayman won the 1968 Tony Award for "Best Supporting Actress in a Musical", in which she portrayed the mother of Leslie Uggams's character in the play Hallelujah, Baby!.
Hayman briefly left the cast of One Life to Live to appear in the primetime musical comedy series The Leslie Uggams Show.