Soap opera star Wayne Northrop, best known for his roles on Days of Our Lives and Dynasty, has died. He was 77.

Northrop died on Friday, November 29, at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles, California, the actor’s publicist told MassLive.

“Six years ago, Wayne was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Northrop’s family said in a statement. “Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit. Husband of 43 years, the best father ever to his two sons, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”

According to his obituary, Northrop was born on April 12, 1947 in Sumner, Washington.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Washington before studying acting at Seattle Community College. In 1975, Northrop joined the Los Angeles Actors’ Theater under the direction of Ralph Waite. This led Northrop to book his first acting gig in an episode of Police Story.

However, Northrop’s breakthrough came as Roman Brady in the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” He appeared on the series from 1981 to 1984, then again from 1991 to 1994. Northrop’s character was established by his romance with Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidra Hall. Northrop retired in 2005 as Dr. Alex North is rejoining the cast of the hit series.

He also had starring roles on ABC’s “Dynasty” from 1981 to 1982, “You are the Jury: The State of Arizona v. Dr. Evan Blake” in 1986 and “Guts and Glory: The Bill Johnson Story” in 1985.

Northrop’s other notable acting credits include “Port Charles,” “The Waltons,” “Baretta,” “Eight is Enough,” “Beggerman, Thief,” “The Young Riders,” “Testimony of Two Men,” “Cold Case.” The Haunting of Lisa” and “The Deidre Hall Story”.

Northrop is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Herring, and his sons Hank and Grady.