‘Dynasty’ & ‘The Paper Chase’ star dies at 98.
Soap opera enthusiasts are grieving the loss of a genuine television classic.
Betty Harford, the cherished actress who captivated audiences for almost ten years as the Carrington family’s devoted cook in Dynasty and portrayed the witty Mrs. Nottingham in The Paper Chase, has sadly passed away at the age of 98.
A recognizable face to millions
Harford peacefully passed away on November 2 in Santa Barbara, California, as confirmed by her close friend Wendy Mitchell to The Hollywood Reporter.
In a touching Facebook post, Mitchell shared:
“Betty’s son reached out to me this morning, and Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully surrounded by family at noon on November 2, 2025. She was 98.”
Harford became a well-known figure to countless viewers in the 1980s due to her role as Mrs. Gunnerson, the foul-mouthed yet warm-hearted cook who dished out both meals and unforgettable one-liners in Dynasty from 1981 to 1989.
She even made a return for the 1991 reunion miniseries. Fans fondly recall her “legendary lamb stew for Blake,” a recurring joke that endeared her to devoted fans.
On social media, tributes came pouring in from fans all over the globe. One admirer shared on X:
“Goodbye to the amazing Betty Harford, the outspoken chef of the Carringtons (known for the iconic lamb stew for Blake) during the nine seasons of Dynasty. An American actress, she truly shone in film as the sister of Natalie Wood’s character.”
Before gaining fame from Dynasty, Harford portrayed Mrs. Nottingham, the capable and ever-faithful secretary to John Houseman’s Professor Kingsfield on The Paper Chase (1978–79).
Her career spanned decades of television history, featuring in classics such as The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dr. Kildare, and The Big Valley.
Starred alongside legends
On the silver screen, she held her own next to Hollywood icons, appearing in The Wild and the Innocent (1959), Spartacus (1960), and Inside Daisy Clover (1965), where she played Natalie Wood’s sister, Gloria.
Born in New York City in 1927, Harford’s passion for acting began in theater before she moved on to film and television. She collaborated closely with producer John Houseman in various stage productions and remained engaged in the performing arts community for many years.
She was married twice. Her first husband was California sculptor Oliver Andrews, who passed away in 1978, and her second was Sándor (Alex) de Naszody, a prominent actor for the Hungarian national state theater, who died in 1996.
Harford is survived by her son Chris and her grandsons.
Betty Harford’s passing signifies the end of an era for enthusiasts of vintage television and the golden age of soap operas. Her warmth, humor, and timeless performances will forever resonate — both in reruns and in the hearts of those who grew up watching her infuse elegance and wit into every scene.