Hollywood Mourns Loss of 'Dynasty' and 'Paper Chase' Star Betty Harford at 98

Betty Harford, celebrated for her memorable roles in iconic television series such as “Dynasty” and “The Paper Chase,” passed away on November 2 at the age of 98. Her passing, confirmed by friend Wendy Mitchell via Facebook, marks the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning film, television, and radio over several decades.
Harford was widely recognized for her portrayal of Ms. Nottingham, the dedicated secretary to law professor Charles W. Kingsfield, in CBS’s “The Paper Chase.” She appeared in 41 episodes during the show’s initial run from 1978 to 1979, and later in its revival on Showtime from 1983 to 1986. Another hallmark role was Hilda Gunnerson, the recurring cook in the soap opera “Dynasty,” a character she played for nine years, from 1981 to 1989, appearing in 34 episodes across the first eight seasons. She reprised the role for the 1991 reunion miniseries, “Dynasty: The Reunion.”
Born in New York City, Harford began her entertainment journey in the 1950s with radio dramas including “Gunsmoke” and “Crime Classics.” Her television career included appearances on classics such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Dr. Kildare,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Big Valley.” In the 1960s, she was actively involved with Houseman’s UCLA Theatre Group, further honing her craft.
Harford’s film contributions included roles in “Spartacus” (1960), “Signpost to Murder” (1964), “Win, Place or Steal” (1974), “The China Syndrome” (1979), and James Bridges’ “September 30, 1955” (1997). She also appeared in “The Wild and the Innocent” (1959) as Ms. Forbes, showcasing her versatility across genres.
In addition to her career, Harford’s personal life included marriages to California sculptor Oliver Andrews and Hungarian actor Alex de Naszody, with whom she remained until his passing. She is survived by her son Chris from her first marriage and her grandsons, leaving behind a legacy of talent and dedication that spanned radio, television, and film.
Recommended Articles
Hollywood Mourns Loss of Screen Legend Diane Ladd as Daughter Laura Dern Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Hollywood legend Diane Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee and mother of actress Laura Dern, has died at 89. Dern pays hear...
Hollywood Loses a Legend: Diane Keaton Dies at 79, Industry Mourns Her Iconic Legacy

Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton has died at 79, sparking a wave of tributes from Hollywood stars and fans ali...
Aces Reign Supreme! Las Vegas Clinches Third Consecutive WNBA Championship
)
The Las Vegas Aces have secured their place in WNBA history, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury to claim their third champions...
Hollywood Tragedy: Rob Reiner's Son Arrested in Shocking Double Homicide Investigation

Hollywood is grappling with the tragic news of the deaths of renowned actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Sin...
James Cameron Rejects AI on Set as ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Presses Forward

James Cameron reaffirms his commitment to human performance in “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” rejecting the use of generative A...
You may also like...
Super Eagles' Shocking Defeat: Egypt Sinks Nigeria 2-1 in AFCON 2025 Warm-Up

Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Egypt in their only preparatory friendly for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nati...
Knicks Reign Supreme! New York Defeats Spurs to Claim Coveted 2025 NBA Cup

The New York Knicks secured the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup title with a 124-113 comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs i...
Warner Bros. Discovery's Acquisition Saga: Paramount Deal Hits Rocky Shores Amid Rival Bids!

Hollywood's intense studio battle for Warner Bros. Discovery concluded as the WBD board formally rejected Paramount Skyd...
Music World Mourns: Beloved DJ Warras Brutally Murdered in Johannesburg

DJ Warras, also known as Warrick Stock, was fatally shot in Johannesburg's CBD, adding to a concerning string of murders...
Palm Royale Showrunner Dishes on 'Much Darker' Season 2 Death

"Palm Royale" Season 2, Episode 6, introduces a shocking twin twist, with Kristen Wiig playing both Maxine and her long-...
World Cup Fiasco: DR Congo Faces Eligibility Probe, Sparks 'Back Door' Accusations from Nigeria

The NFF has petitioned FIFA over DR Congo's alleged use of ineligible players in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, potentiall...
Trump's Travel Ban Fallout: African Nations Hit Hard by US Restrictions

The Trump administration has significantly expanded its travel restrictions, imposing new partial bans on countries like...
Shocking Oversight: Super-Fit Runner Dies After Heart Attack Symptoms Dismissed as Heartburn

The family of Kristian Hudson, a 'super-fit' 42-year-old marathon runner, is seeking accountability from NHS staff after...