SOTD! Dynasty And The Paper Chase star dies at 98!

Television has lost one of its enduring treasures. Betty Harford — the sharp, warm, and unforgettable actress who became a familiar face to millions through her roles on Dynasty and The Paper Chase — has passed away at the age of 98.

Harford died peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California, with her family by her side, her close friend Wendy Mitchell confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Mitchell shared the news in a touching Facebook post, writing, “Betty’s son contacted me this morning. Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully with family at her side, noon on November 2, 2025. She was 98.”

For generations of TV fans, Harford’s name conjures memories of the golden age of network drama — and of one character in particular who stole every scene she appeared in.

The Cook Who Became a Fan Favorite

From 1981 to 1989, Harford portrayed Mrs. Gunnerson, the Carrington family’s blunt, foul-mouthed, and endearingly loyal cook on Dynasty, the prime-time soap that defined ‘80s television. She was the woman behind the mansion’s kitchen doors, serving up not just meals, but sharp one-liners and an unexpected dose of heart in a world of excess, betrayal, and diamonds.

Her scenes, though brief, were often show-stealers. Whether chastising the Carringtons or defending her legendary “lamb stew for Blake,” Mrs. Gunnerson became a small but unforgettable piece of the show’s magic. Harford even reprised the role for the Dynasty reunion miniseries in 1991, delighting fans who never forgot her.

On social media, tributes poured in after news of her death broke. One longtime fan wrote on X, “Farewell to the wonderful Betty Harford, the Carringtons’ fiery cook who gave us nine seasons of laughs. Her lamb stew lives on in television history.”

From ‘The Paper Chase’ to the Big Screen

While Dynasty made her a household name, Harford’s career stretched far beyond the world of soap operas. In the late 1970s, she earned acclaim for her role as Mrs. Nottingham, the whip-smart secretary to Professor Charles Kingsfield in the hit series The Paper Chase (1978–79). Her no-nonsense demeanor and sharp wit perfectly balanced John Houseman’s commanding presence as the intimidating law professor.

Before that, Harford had already built a long and diverse résumé that spanned some of the most iconic shows in television history. She appeared in The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Dr. Kildare, and The Big Valley, proving her versatility across genres — from mystery and westerns to medical dramas and thrillers.

Her career represented a bridge between eras — a performer who started in the days of black-and-white television and remained active well into the era of glossy, high-budget dramas.

A Career Among Legends

On the silver screen, Harford shared scenes with some of Hollywood’s greatest legends. She appeared in The Wild and the Innocent (1959) with Audie Murphy, Spartacus (1960) under the direction of Stanley Kubrick, and Inside Daisy Clover (1965), where she played Gloria, the sister of Natalie Wood’s troubled starlet.

Each role, no matter the size, showcased her depth as an actress — grounded, natural, and capable of turning even a few lines into moments audiences remembered.

Born in New York City in 1927, Harford discovered her love for performing early, beginning her career in theater before transitioning to television and film. Her classical training and commitment to the craft gave her performances a depth that often elevated the productions she worked on.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Despite her long list of credits, Harford lived much of her life outside Hollywood’s glare. Friends describe her as witty, fiercely independent, and deeply loyal — traits that mirrored many of the characters she played on screen.

She worked closely with producer and mentor John Houseman in several stage productions and was an active member of the performing arts community throughout her life, often supporting young actors and local theater initiatives.

Harford married twice. Her first husband was Oliver Andrews, a respected California sculptor known for his public art installations. They were married until his death in 1978. Years later, she married Sándor “Alex” de Naszody, a leading actor in Hungary’s national state theater before he emigrated to the United States. He passed away in 1996.

Harford is survived by her son, Chris, and her grandsons, who were with her in her final days.

The Legacy of a Television Original

To fans, Betty Harford wasn’t just another supporting character. She was part of the foundation of television’s most beloved eras — the dependable face who appeared in the background but left an outsized impression.

Her humor, warmth, and timing gave life to every role she touched. Whether it was the disciplined Mrs. Nottingham managing a law professor’s chaos or Mrs. Gunnerson cursing under her breath while serving the Carringtons, Harford understood the value of authenticity.

She didn’t need long monologues or glamorous costumes to make people remember her. A look, a line, or a muttered insult was enough.

In an industry often obsessed with fame and spectacle, Betty Harford’s strength was subtlety. She didn’t chase the spotlight — she let her work speak for itself. And it did, for more than six decades.

Remembering a Quiet Great

As fans revisit Dynasty reruns or rediscover her early television work, it’s clear how much Harford contributed to the fabric of American entertainment. She stood beside stars and legends yet always found a way to leave her own mark.

Her friend Wendy Mitchell summed it up best: “Betty was one of those rare people who made everyone around her better — on set, on stage, and in life.”

Betty Harford’s passing marks not just the end of a life but the closing of a chapter in television history. Her work connected generations — from those who grew up watching her on black-and-white screens to fans who discovered her through streaming decades later.

Even as the credits roll one last time, her spirit endures — in every scene, every laugh, and every fan who still remembers the woman who could make even a fictional kitchen feel like home.

Betty Harford was 98. And for many who loved her work, she’ll forever remain ageless.