A beloved face from television's golden age: Dynasty's Betty Harford farewell at 98

If your weeknights in the 1980s revolved around the glitz, scandal, and high-stakes drama of Dynasty, then Betty Harford’s face was a familiar comfort amid the chaos.

While she wasn’t the one slapping rivals in lily ponds or plotting corporate takeovers, her portrayal of Hilda Gunnerson, the Carringtons’ no-nonsense cook with a dry wit and impeccable timing, was quietly iconic.

Hilda didn’t need diamonds or drama to command attention; she grounded the show with her steady presence and subtle sass, often delivering the kind of one-liners that fans still remember fondly.

In a world of power plays and designer gowns, Betty Harford gave us a character who felt real, relatable, and essential to the rhythm of the Carrington household. Her role may have been behind the scenes, but her impact was front and center in the hearts of viewers around the globe.

A quiet goodbye to a timeless talent​

Betty Harford passed away on November 2 in Santa Barbara at the age of 98, as confirmed by her longtime friend Wendy Mitchell.

Before confirming Betty Harford’s passing, Wendy Mitchell shared a heartfelt update on Facebook, noting that she hadn’t heard from the actress in two months.

Mitchell mentioned that Harford had been recovering from the flu, but during a recent visit, she received no response at the door. With calls going unanswered as well, Mitchell expressed concern that her dear friend may have quietly passed away. Her words reflected the deep bond they shared and the quiet uncertainty that often surrounds the final days of a cherished life.

Her death signals the close of a remarkable chapter in television history, one shaped by her steady presence across more than forty years of screen work.

From courtroom dramas to prime-time soap operas, Harford’s career left an indelible mark on some of the most cherished series of the 20th century, earning her a quiet but enduring place in the hearts of viewers and colleagues alike.

The Dynasty years: serving up more than lamb stew​

Born in New York City in 1927, Harford passed away just shy of her 99th birthday.

Her personal life was marked by both deep love and profound loss.

She was first married to sculptor Oliver Andrews, whose life was tragically cut short at 53 during a scuba diving trip off the California coast in 1978. Years later, she found companionship again with Hungarian actor Sándor Naszódy, who passed away in 1996 at the age of 81.

Through it all, Harford carried herself with quiet resilience, balancing a rich personal journey alongside her enduring career in television.

As Dynasty’s sharp-tongued cook Hilda Gunnerson, Betty Harford served up more than lamb stew—she delivered comfort, comic timing, and cult-favorite charm. Image Source: Facebook

From 1981 to 1989, Betty Harford brought warmth and wit to Dynasty as Mrs. Gunnerson, the Carringtons’ sharp-tongued cook who quietly kept the household in order.

Appearing in 34 episodes across the show’s first eight seasons, Harford’s character became a beloved staple—not for dramatic showdowns, but for her steady presence and dry humor.

Fans still fondly recall her recurring mention of “lamb stew for Blake,” a playful nod that turned into a cherished inside joke among longtime viewers and cemented her status as a cult favorite in the Dynasty universe.

In the spring of 1985, Dynasty reached the peak of its popularity, claiming the top spot as the most-watched show in the US.

While audiences were captivated by the fierce rivalry between Joan Collins and Linda Evans, it was Betty Harford’s portrayal of Mrs. Gunnerson that quietly stole scenes and hearts.

Known for her sharp tongue and underlying warmth, the Carrington family’s cook delivered more than just meals—she served up some of the show’s most memorable quips.

Harford’s return for the 1991 reunion miniseries was a testament to her lasting bond with the Dynasty legacy and its devoted fanbase.

Before the mansion: a stalwart of classic television​

Before Harford became a familiar presence in the Carrington household, she was steadily carving out a name for herself as a reliable and versatile character actress.

Her career spanned the golden age of television, with guest roles in some of the most iconic series of the era. From eerie twists in The Twilight Zone to frontier drama in Gunsmoke, suspenseful turns in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and appearances in Dr. Kildare and The Big Valley, Harford’s range and consistency made her a trusted figure in American television for decades.

Another standout role in Harford’s television career was her portrayal of Mrs. Nottingham, the impeccably organized and quietly commanding secretary to Professor Charles Kingsfield, played by John Houseman, in The Paper Chase.

From 1978 to 1986, Harford appeared in 45 episodes of the series, which aired initially on CBS before continuing its run on Showtime. Her character brought a calm authority to the intense academic setting, serving as a steady counterpart to the demanding law professor and adding depth to the show’s portrayal of legal education.

Hollywood glamour: sharing the screen with legends​

Harford’s film career placed her in the company of Hollywood greats, with roles that showcased her quiet strength and versatility.

She appeared in The Wild and the Innocent (1959), held her own in the epic Spartacus (1960), and portrayed Gloria, the sister of Natalie Wood’s character, in Inside Daisy Clover (1965).

These performances reflected her ability to bring nuance to supporting roles, adding emotional texture to stories led by some of the industry’s most iconic stars.

Harford’s role in Inside Daisy Clover didn’t go unnoticed by critics.

Among those who weighed in was writer Christopher Isherwood, who described her performance as “too much bigger than life,” likening it to something out of the Moscow Art Theatre.

While his words may have been more critique than praise, they underscored one thing clearly—Harford left a lasting impression. Her portrayal was bold, memorable, and impossible to ignore, a testament to her willingness to take creative risks on screen.

The end of an era​

Harford’s death follows closely on the heels of another loss from the Dynasty family: Patricia Crowley, who passed away in September at 91.

Together, these recent losses mark a tender turning point for fans of vintage television. Harford and Crowley were more than just familiar faces on screen; they belonged to a generation of performers who helped shape an era when TV was a nightly ritual and characters felt like family.

Their work reminds us of a time when storytelling was bold, dialogue lingered, and the glow of the screen brought people together across living rooms and generations. As their voices fade, their impact continues to echo through the shows that shaped our cultural memory.

Across decades of television, Harford embodied the kind of actor who gave depth and texture to the stories unfolding around her. She didn’t need the spotlight to leave a lasting impression—her presence added authenticity, grounding even the most dramatic scenes in a sense of everyday reality.

Her final acting credit came in 1994, when she voiced Gumby’s mother in a children’s video—a gentle, nurturing role that reflected the warmth she brought to so many characters throughout her career.

She is survived by her son, Chris, and several grandchildren.

Key Takeaways

• Actress Betty Harford, best known for her roles in Dynasty and The Paper Chase, has died peacefully at the age of 98, with her family by her side.
• Harford had a prolific television career, appearing in classic shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, and The Big Valley.
• She played Mrs. Nottingham in The Paper Chase and recurring cook Hilda Gunnerson in 'Dynasty', reprising the latter role for Dynasty: The Reunion in 1991.
• Harford is survived by her son Chris and grandsons, having been married twice, first to sculptor Oliver Andrews and later to Hungarian actor Sándor Naszódy.

For those of us who remember the 1980s television landscape, Harford's death feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. She may have been stirring fictional lamb stew in a fictional mansion, but the comfort she brought to our lounge rooms was very real indeed.

What are your favourite memories of Betty Harford's performances, whether as the dependable Mrs. Gunnerson or in her many other roles across television's golden years?