Fans of classic television are in deep mourning. American social media has been flooded with sorrowful posts since early morning, while colleagues from the industry share memories and heartfelt tributes to a person who is impossible to replace.
But as thousands grieve, the name of the legend remained a mystery — at least for the first hours.
A close friend of the family was the first to announce the passing, noting that it happened quietly and peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Official sources confirmed that the person, whose face was familiar to millions and who shaped decades of television history, passed away at the age of 98.
In the comments under the initial obituaries, people wrote that they could already guess who it might be — after all, not many actors from old Hollywood belonged simultaneously to two iconic worlds: the sharp student dramas of the 1970s and one of the most famous families in American soap-opera history.
Only after several hours of silence did the family and friends finally reveal the name.
The actress who brought to life unforgettable characters in both “Dynasty” and “The Paper Chase” has died.
It has been confirmed that Betty Harford passed away at the age of 98 — a woman whose voice, expressions, and unmistakable delivery were instantly recognizable. Her close friend Wendy Mitchell shared a touching message:
“Betty’s son contacted me this morning… She passed away peacefully with family at her side, at noon on November 2. She was 98.”
For television viewers of the 1980s, Harford became a beloved symbol of Dynasty: she played the sharp-tongued but warm-hearted cook Mrs. Gunnerson — the woman whose jokes and the “legendary lamb stew for Blake” became a part of TV folklore. Fans today say the show would never have felt the same without her.
She even returned for the 1991 reunion miniseries. On X, hundreds of fans are sharing clips, photos, and quotes. One user wrote:
“Farewell to the incredible Betty Harford. The foul-mouthed cook of the Carringtons — nine unforgettable seasons. Her lamb stew is legend!”
The End of an Era
The death of Betty Harford marks the closing of a remarkable chapter in the golden age of American television. Her warmth, humor, and timeless performances will forever remain in the hearts of those who grew up watching her.
Her characters will continue living on — in reruns, in memories, and in every smile she brought to the screen.
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