Clouds of sorrow loom over Hollywood as veteran star Betty Harford, known for her roles in ‘The Paper Chase,’ ‘Dynasty,’ and more, passed away at the age of 98.The news of her demise has been confirmed by her friend Wendy Mitchell, who told The Hollywood Reporter that Betty Harford departed on November 2.
Remembering Betty Harford
Born on January 28, 1927, in New York City, Betty Harford is known for her work in radio, television, and film. Her journey in performing arts began in the 1950s, when she appeared on radio programs ‘Gunsmoke’ and ‘Crime Classics.’ Thereafter, she moved to television, and her early credits include ‘Fireside Theatre,’ ‘Luv Video Theatre,’ and ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents.’ Interestingly, she also gave voice to the famous children’s cartoon character Gumba, from ‘Grumpy.’ She was the voice artist for the main character’s mother.Throughout the 1960s, she worked day in and day out on television. Projects that fetched her both love and fame include ‘Gunsmoke,’ ‘Richard Diamond,’ The Great Adventure,‘ The Twilight Zone,’ and ‘Private Detective’. Meanwhile, she actively participated in the Westwood-based UCLA Theatre Group, founded in 1959 by John Houseman, Eva Marie Saint, Paul Newman, and Robert Ryan. With this, she got the opportunity to work with some of the greatest artists like Pippa Scott, Nina Foch, and Inga Swenson.Coming to her movies, ‘Spartacus’ (1960), ‘Signpost to Murder’ (1964), and ‘Win, Place or Steal’ (1974) are some of her famous works.. She also worked in ‘Inside Daisy Clover’ (1965). Her role as the calculating older sister of Natalie Wood’s character was highly lauded. Similarly, her work with Sandra Dee in ‘The Wild and the Innocent,’ brought her immense popularity. Further, one of the greatest works of her life was with James Bridges. After working as a nurse in his 1977 film September 30, 1955, Harford was cast as Mrs. Nottingham, the sharp and efficient secretary to John Houseman’s Professor Kingsfield in The Paper Chase. Based on John Jay Osborn Jr.’s novel and Bridges’ 1973 film, the first season ran from 1978–79, and later it landed on Showtime (1983–86). Betty performed in 41 episodes during its run.
