Wayne Northrop, ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Dynasty’ actor, dies at 77
The soap opera actor was best known for originating the role of "Days" character Roman Brady.
Wayne Northrop, who originated the role of Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives, and starred as Michael Culhane on Dynasty, has died of complications from Alzheimer's. He was 77.
Northrop died on Nov. 27 at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles. His wife, General Hospital star Lynn Herring Northrop, announced the news in a Sunday statement.
“Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 6 years ago," Herring Northrop began. "He took his last breath in the arms of his family. We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, The Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him. Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit."
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Wayne Northrop
She continued, "A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”
In addition to appearing in over 1,000 episodes of Days of Our Lives, Northrop also became a familiar face in soap operas throughout the '80s and '90s.
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Northrop was born on April 12, 1947 to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop and raised in the small town of Sumner, WA. He initially graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in communications before enrolling in acting classes at Seattle Community College.
Though his only prior experience onstage came from a high school production, Northrop received good reviews from his work in the class and relocated to California where he joined the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre in 1975. He soon landed his first television role in an episode of Police Story.
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Wayne Northrop anf Deidre Hall on 'Days of Out Lives'
Northrop would continue booking TV roles in titles including The Waltons, Baretta, Eight is Enough, The Young Riders, and Testimony of Two Men before landing the role of tough yet kindhearted Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives in 1981. He became a fan-favorite character and Roman's romance and eventual marriage to Deidre Hall's Dr. Marlena Evans was one of the most beloved relationships on daytime television.
Northrop initially departed the show in 1984 before returning for another three years in 1991. Though his role was ostensibly taken over by late Days alum Drake Hogestyn, the storyline was famously retconned so both actors could remain in the series simultaneously. Northrop departed again in 1994 and Josh Taylor stepped into the role of Roman. When Northrop next returned to the show, it was in a new role as Dr. Alex North, a former medical school classmate of Marlena's.
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Wayne Northrop on 'Dynasty' in 1981
Elsewhere, Northrop continued to find success on the small screen, with his additional credits including the mysterious chauffeur, Michael, on Dynasty and the manipulative Rex Stanton on the General Hospital spinoff, Port Charles. He also appeared on L.A. Law, Hotel, You Are the Jury and Cold Case.
Northrop is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Hank and Grady.
