Betty Harford, the veteran actress known for her recurring role as the Carrington family’s cook on the 1980s primetime soap opera “Dynasty,” died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at age 98. The news of her passing was confirmed by her friend Wendy Mitchell in a Facebook post.
Mitchell shared that Harford’s son contacted her with the news, writing that Harford “passed away peacefully with family at her side, noon on November 2, 2025.” The actress died in Santa Barbara, California, with no cause of death publicly disclosed.
Harford spent nine years on “Dynasty,” appearing in 34 episodes between 1981 and 1987 as Hilda Gunnerson, the household cook for the wealthy Carrington family. She returned for the 1991 miniseries “Dynasty: The Reunion,” cementing her place in the show’s legacy. Her death follows that of co-star Patricia Crowley, who died in September at 91.
Beyond “Dynasty,” Harford built a substantial television career spanning multiple decades. She had a prominent role in “The Paper Chase,” portraying Ms. Nottingham, secretary to Professor Charles W. Kingsfield. Harford appeared in over 40 episodes during the series’ CBS run from 1978 to 1979 and continued with the show when it moved to Showtime through 1986.
Born in New York City, Harford launched her acting career in the 1950s with roles on radio dramas including “Gunsmoke” and “Crime Classics.” Her early television appearances showcased her versatility, with performances on classic anthology series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Twilight Zone.” She also appeared in episodes of “Dr. Kildare,” “The Big Valley,” “Luv Video Theatre” (some sources say Lux) and “Fireside Theatre.”
Her film career began with 1959’s “The Wild and the Innocent,” in which she played Mrs. Forbes. She went on to appear in the epic “Spartacus” in 1960, followed by “Signpost to Murder” in 1964, “Win, Place or Steal” in 1974, and the critically acclaimed thriller “The China Syndrome” in 1979. In 1977, she took a supporting role in James Bridges’ film “Sept. 30, 1955,” acting alongside Richard Thomas.
Harford also maintained an active stage career, performing with the UCLA Theatre Group under the direction of noted producer John Houseman during the 1960s. Her television work extended to shows like “Room 222” and “Mrs. Columbo,” helping cement her reputation as a dependable performer in both dramatic and character roles.
In her personal life, Harford was first married to California sculptor Oliver Andrews. The couple separated in the late 1970s. She later married Hungarian actor Sándor Naszódy, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Chris from her first marriage, as well as her grandsons.
Mitchell paid tribute to the actress in her announcement, noting that “she was a wonderful woman and a talented actress.” She added that Harford always brought warmth and grace to every room she entered.
Harford’s death comes during a period when the entertainment industry has lost several veteran television performers. Her nearly five-decade career in television, film and theater demonstrated her range as a character actress, from her early radio work to her memorable recurring roles on two of television’s notable series of the 1970s and 1980s.
The announcement of her passing, coming after her death, reflects the private nature of her final days, spent surrounded by family in Santa Barbara. At 98, she had lived through nearly a century of American entertainment history, contributing her talents across multiple mediums and generations of audiences.
