Soap-opera lovers everywhere are mourning the passing of Betty Harford, the unforgettable actress whose warmth and sharp wit lit up American television for decades. Best known as Mrs. Gunnerson, the foul-mouthed yet endearing Carrington cook on Dynasty, she became a fan favorite through her iconic one-liners and the running gag of her “legendary lamb stew for Blake.” Harford passed away peacefully at 98, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy stitched into the fabric of classic TV. Her career stretched across genres and generations — from The Paper Chase to The Twilight Zone, from Gunsmoke to Alfred Hitchcock Presents — each role cementing her as one of the most recognizable faces of her era.
Beyond television, Harford made her mark on the big screen, holding her own alongside Hollywood giants in films like Spartacus and Inside Daisy Clover. Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to share tributes, celebrating her humor, grace, and enduring charm. With a career rooted in theatre and spanning decades of film and television history, Harford leaves behind a vibrant legacy and a family who adored her. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her performances — full of life, wit, and heart — will continue to live on.