Television has lost one of its timeless gems. Betty Harford — the sharp-witted, warm, and unforgettable actress whose presence graced beloved series like Dynasty and The Paper Chase — has passed away at the age of 98.
Harford died peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by her loved ones, her close friend Wendy Mitchell confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mitchell wrote, “Betty’s son contacted me this morning. Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully with family by her side at noon on November 2, 2025. She was 98.”
For countless television fans, Betty Harford’s name evokes memories of television’s golden age — and of one standout role that made her an unexpected favorite in living rooms across America.
The Cook Who Stole Every Scene
From 1981 to 1989, Harford brought to life Mrs. Gunnerson, the Carrington family’s sharp-tongued yet endearing cook on Dynasty, the primetime soap that came to define the glitz and drama of the 1980s. Hidden behind the mansion’s swinging kitchen doors, Mrs. Gunnerson served up more than meals — she delivered some of the show’s most memorable one-liners, grounding the over-the-top world of wealth and betrayal with humor and heart.
Though her appearances were brief, Harford’s scenes were always unforgettable. Whether she was scolding the Carringtons or defending her famous “lamb stew for Blake,” she became a small but vital part of the show’s enduring magic. Fans were thrilled when she returned as Mrs. Gunnerson for the Dynasty reunion miniseries in 1991.
Tributes flooded social media after the news of her death broke. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Goodbye to the wonderful Betty Harford, the Carringtons’ fiery cook who gave us nine seasons of joy. Her lamb stew lives forever in TV history.”
Beyond Dynasty: A Career of Substance
While Dynasty made her a household name, Harford’s career spanned far beyond soap operas. In the late 1970s, she starred as Mrs. Nottingham, the razor-sharp secretary to Professor Charles Kingsfield (John Houseman) in The Paper Chase (1978–79). Her wit and precision balanced Houseman’s stern authority, earning her wide praise.
Her résumé stretched across television’s most iconic series — The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Dr. Kildare, and The Big Valley among them. From westerns to thrillers, Harford proved her versatility and talent again and again.
Her career bridged generations, from the black-and-white era of early television to the glossy high-budget dramas of the 1980s and beyond — a rare achievement that made her both a pioneer and a survivor in Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape.
A Career Among Legends
On film, Harford shared the screen with some of cinema’s most revered names. She appeared in The Wild and the Innocent (1959) alongside Audie Murphy, took part in Spartacus (1960) under the direction of Stanley Kubrick, and played Gloria in Inside Daisy Clover (1965) opposite Natalie Wood.
No matter the size of the role, Harford imbued each character with authenticity and quiet power. Her naturalistic acting style and understated delivery gave depth to every scene she touched.
Born in New York City in 1927, Harford discovered her love of performance early, beginning her career on stage before transitioning to television and film. Her classical training and dedication to her craft gave her work an honesty that resonated deeply with audiences.
A Life Beyond the Limelight
Despite her long and successful career, Harford remained humble and grounded. Friends describe her as funny, fiercely loyal, and refreshingly unpretentious — much like the characters she so often portrayed.
She collaborated closely with producer John Houseman, performing in several of his stage productions, and remained active in the arts community for decades, mentoring young performers and supporting local theater projects.
Harford was married twice. Her first husband, Oliver Andrews, was a respected California sculptor known for his large-scale public art. They remained married until his death in 1978. She later married Sándor “Alex” de Naszody, a celebrated Hungarian stage actor who had emigrated to the United States; he passed away in 1996.
She is survived by her son, Chris, and her grandsons, who were by her side in her final moments.
The Legacy of a Television Original
For fans and colleagues alike, Betty Harford represented the essence of classic television — a performer who may not have always been in the spotlight, yet whose presence was felt in every frame she appeared in.
Her humor, warmth, and impeccable timing made her unforgettable. Whether she was delivering cutting remarks as Mrs. Gunnerson or managing chaos as Mrs. Nottingham, Harford understood the beauty of subtlety.
She didn’t need elaborate costumes or long monologues to capture attention — a single glance or line of dialogue was enough.
In an industry often driven by fame and flash, Harford’s quiet strength and authenticity set her apart. She let her work speak for itself, and it spoke volumes — for over six decades.
Remembering a Quiet Great
As fans revisit Dynasty reruns or rediscover her early performances, one thing becomes clear: Betty Harford was a cornerstone of American television’s rich history. She acted alongside legends, yet always found her own space to shine.
Her friend Wendy Mitchell said it best: “Betty was one of those rare souls who made everyone around her better — on stage, on set, and in life.”
Betty Harford’s passing marks more than the loss of a beloved actress; it marks the closing of a remarkable chapter in television history. Her work connected generations — from those who first saw her in black-and-white to audiences streaming her performances today.
Even as the final credits roll, her spirit remains — in every laugh, every line, and every memory of the woman who made even a fictional kitchen feel like home.
Betty Harford was 98 — and for her fans, she’ll always remain timeless.