A Month of Farewells: Remembering the Soap Stars We Lost in November 2025
November 2025 has been a somber month for longtime soap opera fans, particularly those devoted to The Young and the Restless and other iconic daytime and primetime dramas. This month, the entertainment world said goodbye to several beloved actors whose careers shaped decades of storytelling on television, stage, and film. Here, we honor their lives, legacies, and lasting impact.
Betty Harford (1927–2025)
Betty Harford passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the age of 98, surrounded by family. Her remarkable six-decade career spanned radio, television, film, and theater. Early in her career, she appeared in classic series including The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Gunsmoke.
To many fans, Harford will forever be remembered as Hilda Gunnerson, the loyal Carrington family cook on the hit 1980s primetime soap Dynasty (1981–1989). She reprised the role in the 1991 reunion special. Harford also portrayed Miss Nottingham, secretary to Professor Kingsfield, on the acclaimed legal drama The Paper Chase. Her long career marks her as a memorable presence across some of the most significant eras in American entertainment.
Elizabeth Franz (1941–2025)
Elizabeth Franz died at her home in Connecticut on November 4, 2025, at age 84, following a battle with cancer and complications from its treatment. A celebrated stage actress, she won a Tony Award in 1999 for her widely praised performance as Linda Loman in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman.
While theater was her greatest artistic home, Franz also made her mark on television and film. Her screen credits include Gilmore Girls, Grey’s Anatomy, and Law & Order: SVU. Her passing represents a deep loss not only for soap opera fans, but also for the theater community and the broader entertainment world that cherished her emotional depth and remarkable talent.
Sally Kirkland (1941–2025)
Sally Kirkland passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 84 after entering hospice care in Palm Springs. Her final years were marked by health challenges including dementia, falls, and serious infections.
Kirkland enjoyed a prolific and fearless career spanning more than six decades, with over 250 credits in film and television. She earned widespread acclaim for her riveting lead performance in the 1987 film Anna, which won her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. Her diverse filmography includes appearances in The Sting, JFK, and Bruce Almighty. She also made memorable appearances on television, including the daytime soap Days of Our Lives. Her passing closes the chapter on one of Hollywood’s most daring and versatile performers.
Jonathan Farwell (1932–2025)
Jonathan Farwell died on November 22, 2025, at the age of 93 in hospice care in Fort Collins, Colorado, following complications related to a hip fracture. Soap fans remember him best as George Rawlins on The Young and the Restless, a role that earned him a dedicated following.
Farwell’s career extended well beyond daytime television, with numerous appearances across film, theater, and various TV series. Though not always a household name, his steady presence and memorable performances contributed meaningfully to the fabric of American entertainment. His legacy endures through the characters he brought to life and the decades of work he shared with audiences.
A Final Tribute
As we reflect on these losses, we honor not just the characters these actors portrayed, but also the artistry, commitment, and passion they brought to their craft. Their contributions helped shape generations of storytelling, leaving a mark on fans and fellow artists alike.
Their voices may now be silent, but their work — and the emotions they evoked — will continue to echo through the world of soap operas and beyond.
