The esteemed actor Wayne Northrop, renowned for his memorable roles in the iconic television series "Dynasty" and "Days of Our Lives," has passed away at the age of 77. His publicist, Cynthia Snyder, confirmed to Deadline that Northrop succumbed to his long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Friday, at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home.
"Six years ago, Wayne was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's," shared Wayne's wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, in a heartfelt statement. "He took his final breath peacefully in the arms of his beloved family." She added, "We are eternally grateful to The Motion Picture and Television Home for their unparalleled care and compassion. Wayne's humor and wit left an indelible mark on countless lives. For 43 years, he was a devoted husband, an exemplary father to his two sons, Hank and Grady, a passionate rancher who cherished his cows, and a cherished friend to many."
From 1981 to 1984, and again briefly from 1991 to 1994, Northrop garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the tough yet compassionate Detective Roman Brady in "Days of Our Lives." He reprised his acting prowess as Dr. Alex North, a medical school classmate of Roman's wife Dr. Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall), from 2005 to 2006. Prior to that, he enchanted audiences as the chauffeur Michael Culhane in the first season of "Dynasty" in 1981, and reprised the role in Season 7. Additionally, his depiction of the enigmatic and dangerous Rex Stanton in "Port Charles" from 1997 to 1998 left a lasting impression.
Born on April 12, 1947, in Sumner, Washington, Northrop earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Washington before embarking on an acting journey at Seattle Community College. In 1975, he joined Ralph Waite's newly formed Los Angeles Actors' Theatre, which led to him securing an agent and his maiden on-screen appearance in an episode of "Police Story." His resume also boasts credits in "The Waltons," "Hotel," "L.A. Law," and "Cold Case."
Passionate about wildlife and conservation, Northrop, along with his wife Lynn, acquired a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California, in the late 1980s. In 2008, they purchased the oldest house in Raymond, dating back to 1886, and transformed it into a museum, now listed on the registry of historical places.
Northrop leaves behind a legacy cherished by his wife Lynn, his sons Hank (and his wife Laura) and Grady, and his stepmother Janet Northrop.
