Veteran actress Betty Harford, best known for her roles on Dynasty and The Paper Chase, has died at the age of 98. Her death was confirmed by a friend and long-time associate, who said she passed away “peacefully with family at her side” on November 2, 2025, in California.
Early Life and Career
Betty Harford was born on January 28, 1927, in New York City. She began her acting journey in the early 1950s, gaining experience in television anthologies and guest-roles across a number of popular series. Her early credits include appearances on shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Gunsmoke. Her film debut came in the mid-1950s, and she steadily built a versatile résumé across film and television.
Signature Roles
The Paper Chase (1978-1986)
Harford became widely recognised for her portrayal of Mrs Nottingham, the ever-efficient secretary to Professor Charles W. Kingsfield (played by John Houseman) on The Paper Chase. The series originally aired on CBS and later ran on Showtime, and Harford’s presence provided a grounded, stabilising voice in the high-pressured law-school setting of the show.
Dynasty (1981-1987; reunion 1991)
She is also fondly remembered for playing Hilda Gunnerson, the Carrington family’s loyal cook, on the hit soap opera Dynasty. She appeared in more than 30 episodes during the show’s run and returned for the reunion mini-series in 1991. The role showcased her ability to bring warmth, reliability and subtle wit into an often opulent, dramatic world.
Legacy and Impact
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Harford appeared in a variety of genres — from soap operas and legal dramas to guest spots on genre classics like The Twilight Zone. While she may not have always been the headline star, her consistent presence and professionalism made her a valued character actress, loved by colleagues and audiences alike.
Her role in Dynasty, in particular, holds resonance: the series remains a cultural touchstone for 1980s television, and Harford’s Hilda offered a grounding counterpoint to the glamour and intrigue of the Carringtons. Her work in The Paper Chase similarly remains respected among fans of more serious, dialogue-driven drama.
Personal Life & Final Years
According to biographical records, Harford was married to sculptor Oliver Andrews, with whom she had a son, Chris. Wikipedia+1 Later, she lived with Hungarian actor Alex de Naszódy until his death in 1996. In her later years she lived in California, reportedly recovering from the flu prior to her death.
She is survived by her son and grandsons.
Farewell to a Character Actress with Heart
Betty Harford’s career reminds us of the profound value that character actors bring to storytelling: the faces we remember not because they dominate the screen, but because they bring sincerity, consistency and heart. Whether in the high-stakes corridors of law as Mrs Nottingham, or the lavish halls of the Carrington estate as Hilda Gunnerson, Harford lent authenticity and warmth to every role.
While she may have stepped away from acting decades ago (her last credited work dates to the early 1990s), her presence remains in reruns, streaming services and in the memories of those who appreciated her many turns. Her passing at the age of 98 marks the end of a long life and career — but her work continues to speak.
