Betty Harford, the veteran actress behind classics such as Dynasty and The Paper Chase, passed away at the age of 98 on November 2, 2025. The news comes days after the actress took her final breath. She had a brilliant career in the industry that spanned over four decades. She had been largely retired since the 1990s.
Betty Harford dies, was 98
Betty Harford passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 98, as her friend Wendy Mitchell confirmed. Soon after, her son confirmed that this was indeed true. The exact cause of her death was not revealed, but it seems that, given her age, it is from complications surrounding old age.
The manner in which her death was revealed was also quite intriguing. Last week, a fan shared a Facebook post enquiring about Harford’s whereabouts. The fan wrote, “She is 98 and lives in California as Betty Naszody! It’s been 6 years since I last heard from her?”
Wendy Mitchell commented on this post (via The News), revealing that Harford had passed away. Mitchell wrote, “Betty’s son contacted me this morning, and Betty Harford Naszody passed away peacefully with family at her side, noon on November 2, 2025. She was 98.” This came as a surprise to many.
Betty was perhaps best known for playing the secretary for law school professor Charles W. Kingsfield on the CBS drama The Paper Chase, a role that also earned her great acclaim. She starred in 41 episodes in the three-season show.
However, her longest role was in Dynasty. She starred as cook Hilda Gunnerson for nine years in the show. Even though her role was recurring, this show made her quite a known face on television. She reprised the role in Dynasty: The Reunion.
Her other credits include Alfred Hitchcock Presents (September 30, 1955), Dr. Kildare, and Twilight Zone, amongst others.
She is survived by her son, Chris, and her grandsons.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on ComingSoon.
