Betty Harford, ‘The Paper Chase’ and ‘Dynasty’ Actress, Dies at 98

Actress Betty Harford has passed away at the age of 98. She died on November 2 in Santa Barbara, California. Her friend Wendy Mitchell confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Harford was best known for her recurring television roles. She played the efficient secretary Mrs. Nottingham on ‘The Paper Chase’. She also portrayed the Carrington family cook on the iconic primetime soap ‘Dynasty’.

A Steady Career Across Decades

Harford’s career spanned several decades and mediums. She began in radio, appearing on shows like ‘Gunsmoke’. Her early television work included anthology series like ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’.

On the big screen, she appeared in notable films. She had roles in ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Inside Daisy Clover’. She also worked with director James Bridges on ‘The China Syndrome’.

Her collaboration with John Houseman began in theater. She was a member of the UCLA Theatre Group he helped found. This led to her most famous role as his character’s secretary.

Memorable Roles on Iconic Shows

Harford appeared as Mrs. Nottingham in 41 episodes of ‘The Paper Chase’. The show ran on CBS and later on Showtime. Her character was a prickly but highly efficient presence.

On ‘Dynasty’, she played Hilda Gummerson for 34 episodes. She was the Carrington family cook during the show’s peak popularity. She returned for the 1991 reunion miniseries.

Her career demonstrated remarkable longevity and versatility. She worked consistently from the 1950s into the 1990s. She transitioned seamlessly from radio to film and television.

Betty Harford’s passing marks the loss of a familiar television face. Her work on ‘The Paper Chase’ and ‘Dynasty’ cemented her place in TV history. She will be remembered for her memorable character roles.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Betty Harford’s cause of death?

Her specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. The announcement was made by her friend, Wendy Mitchell. She passed away in Santa Barbara at 98 years old.

How many episodes of ‘The Paper Chase’ did she appear in?

Betty Harford appeared in 41 episodes of the legal drama. She played Mrs. Nottingham, Professor Kingsfield’s secretary. Her role continued through the series’ run on CBS and Showtime.

Did she have any other notable television roles?

Yes, she had a recurring role on ‘Dynasty’ as the family cook. She also appeared on ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Dr. Kildare’. Her career included dozens of television appearances from the 1950s onward.

Was Betty Harford married?

She was married twice during her lifetime. Her first husband was sculptor Oliver Andrews. Her second husband was Hungarian actor Sándor Naszódy.

What was her early career like?

She began her career in radio during the 1950s. She voiced characters on a Gumby cartoon. She also acted in the radio version of ‘Gunsmoke’.