Betty Harford dead: Dynasty and The Paper Chase icon dies surrounded by family

Dynasty icon Betty Harford has died. The actress died “peacefully with family at her side,” earlier this month her close friend has announced.

Her friend, Wendy Mitchell said on Facebook: “Betty’s son contacted me this morning and Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully with family at her side, noon on November 2, 2025, she was 98.” Just one day prior, she announced: “Betty is 98 and was living in Carpinteria, and the last I heard from her was two months ago, she had been recovering from the flu.

“However, I went by to see her and she did not answer. She’s not answering her phone anymore, so I’m afraid that she might’ve passed on.”

Betty was 98 at the time of her death, on November 2, in Santa Barbara, California. The actress was best known for her role in the ABC soap opera as cook Hilda Gunnerson, appearing throughout its nine-year run. She later returned for Dynasty: The Reunion in 1991.

As well as her role in Dynasty, Betty is also best known for playing Mrs Nottingham, the secretary of Professor Charles Kingsfield, in the CBS legal drama, The Paper Chase, between 1978 and 1979, as well as its revival on Showtime in 1983.

Over the course of her career, which spanned four decades, she appeared in various huge shows, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dr. Kildare, The Twilight Zone and The Big Valley.

She also appeared as Mrs Forbes in the 1959 movie, The Wild and the Innocent, before going on to make appearances in Adventures in Paradise, The Law and Mr. Jones. Betty also appeared in the 1979 movie, The China Syndrome, which was nominated for four Oscars just one year later.

Betty also played the older sister to Natalie Wood’s title character in the 1965 drama, Inside Daisy Cooper, which was directed by Robert Mulligan.

She was born in New York on January 28, 1927. And started her acting career in her 20s, securing her first job on the radio, Gunsmoke and docu-drama series, Crime Classics. However, her last role saw her voice Gumba in the 1994 video, Fun with Gumby.

She married California sculptor Oliver Andrews before the pair welcomed their son Chris in 1952. However, she and Andrews split in the 1970s. She went on to marry Hungarian actor Alex de Naszody, who tragically died aged 81 in 1996.

Betty is survived by her son, Chris, and her grandchildren. Fans have taken to social media to offer their condolences, with one writing: “Mrs. Gunnerson was always running around making food and being sane while the rest of Dynasty….were part of the ridiculousness. Rest in Peace, Betty!”

A second added: “My sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.” “Such sad news I remember watching her on Dynasty,” said a third.

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Source: Mirror