Actress Betty Harford, best known for roles in Dynasty and The Paper Chase, dies at 98
Betty Harford, acclaimed for her acting in television and film, has died peacefully at the age of 98. His legacy spans decades in the entertainment industry, including significant roles in popular TV series and films.
Betty Harford, an iconic actress known for her work on both stage and screen, died on November 2, 2025, at the age of 98. The news was confirmed by a family friend, who said Harford died peacefully with his relatives by his side. Harford’s career has included a wide range of acclaimed roles in television, film and theatre, giving her a reputation as a versatile and dependable performer.
Harford rose to fame playing Hilda Gunnerson, the Carrington family cook, in the television series Dynasty. She appeared in 34 episodes between 1981 and 1989 and returned in the 1991 miniseries ‘Dynasty: The Reunion’. Her television work also included performances in ‘Room 222’, ‘Mrs. Columbo’, ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’, ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘Dr. Kildare’ and ‘The Big Valley’ established him as a consistent presence in American television drama.
In addition to her success on television, Harford was a prominent member of the cast of ‘The Paper Chase’, in which she played Ms. Nottingham, the secretary of Professor Charles W. Kingsfield. He starred in 41 episodes during the CBS run from 1978 to 1979, and the series continued on Showtime until 1986. His film credits include ‘The Wild and the Innocent’, ‘Spartacus’, ‘Signpost to Murder’, ‘Win, Place or Steal’ and ‘The China Syndrome’.
Harford began his career in New York City during the 1950s, performing in radio dramas such as ‘Gunsmoke and crime classics’ before moving into television and film. His involvement with the UCLA Theater Group under producer John Houseman during the 1960s further highlighted his talents on stage.
Personal aspects of Harford’s life include her first marriage to California sculptor Oliver Andrews, with whom she had a son named Chris. This marriage ended in the late 1970s. She later married Hungarian actor Alex de Naszody, who had already died. Harford is survived by his son and grandchildren.
Announcing her death, a friend wrote, “Betty’s son contacted me this morning to tell me that Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 2, 2025, at noon, she was 98 years old,” he wrote, according to The Mirror.
A friend Michelle paid tribute to Harford, saying, “She was an amazing woman and a talented actress,” Michelle wrote in her announcement. “Daughter always brings warmth and grace to whatever room she enters.”
Harford’s death comes shortly after the death of her former ‘Dynasty’ co-star Patricia Crawley, who died in September at the age of 91. Harford’s contributions to television, film and theater remain influential in the entertainment industry.