Wayne Northrop, a celebrated actor recognized for his memorable performances in iconic television series, has passed away at the age of 77. His publicist, Cynthia Snyder, confirmed that Northrop died on a Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Home in Woodland Hills, California, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Motion Picture and Television Home for their exceptional care during his final days. She shared, “Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family.” In her statement, she highlighted Wayne’s sense of humor, his role as a devoted husband for 43 years, and his dedication as a father to their two sons, Hank and Grady. Lynn also fondly recalled his love for ranching and his deep affection for animals, particularly cows.
Wayne Northrop is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Detective Roman Brady on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives. He first joined the cast in 1981, earning acclaim for his complex character, who was both tough and compassionate. Northrop’s time on the show spanned several years, with his initial run lasting until 1984, followed by a return from 1991 to 1994. He made further appearances as Dr. Alex North, a character linked to Roman’s wife, Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, from 2005 to 2006.
In addition to his role on Days of Our Lives, Wayne Northrop made a significant impact on another popular series, Dynasty, where he played chauffeur Michael Culhane during the first season in 1981 and reprised the role in the seventh season. He also brought to life the character Rex Stanton on Port Charles from 1997 to 1998, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Born on April 12, 1947, in Sumner, Washington, Northrop pursued a degree in communications at the University of Washington. His journey into acting began after he took an acting class at Seattle Community College, which propelled him to Los Angeles to chase his dreams. Northrop’s professional career took off after he joined Ralph Waite’s newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre in 1975, leading to his first onscreen role in an episode of Police Story.
Throughout his career, Wayne appeared in various television shows, including The Waltons, Hotel, L.A. Law, and Cold Case. His contributions to the television industry have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
Outside of acting, Wayne Northrop was passionate about wildlife conservation. In the late 1980s, he and Lynn purchased a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California, where they dedicated themselves to both ranching and conservation efforts. In 2008, they acquired the oldest house in Raymond, built in 1886, and transformed it into a museum, which is now recognized on the registry of historical places.
Wayne is survived by his wife Lynn, their sons Hank and Grady, and his stepmother, Janet Northrop. His passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up watching his performances on television.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow actors, Wayne Northrop’s legacy as a talented actor and a beloved family man will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.
