Betty Hardford dies: Dynasty legend and The Twilight Zone star dies aged 98

TV icon Betty Harford, best known for her roles in Dynasty and The Paper Chase, has died at the age of 98. Her passing was confirmed on social media, with friends paying tribute to the actress online. Her close friend Wendy Mitchell confirmed on Facebook: "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."

Betty was best known for portraying Mrs Hilda Gummerson in the popular 80s primetime soap opera. Mrs Gummerson was the Carrington family cook and starred on the show from 1981 to 1989, before making a celebrated return for the reunion mini-series in 1991. Her character was beloved by fans and appeared in more than 30 episodes, making regular appearances in several major storylines.

One memorable storyline her character was entangled in centred around her son falling ill and Alexis paying for his medical expenses, with Krystle making her feel like a part of the family.

She was also remembered for playing Ms Nottingham in The Paper Chase. Her character was the secretary of Professor Charles Kingsfield in the show, which ran from 1978 to 1979, and was later revived by Showtime in 1983.

The starlet also appeared on the big screen in films such as Wild and Innocent, where she portrayed the character Gloria, and Inside Daisy Clover, in which she played the sister of Natalie Wood's character. Berry also appeared in other popular TV series, such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Dr. Kildare, The Twilight Zone, and The Big Valley.

Harford was first married to sculptor Oliver Andrew, with whom she shared a son named Chris, but the couple divorced in the late 1970s. She went on to remarry Alex de Naszody, who died almost 30 years ago in 1996. She is survived by her son, Chris, and her grandsons.

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