Days of our lives Alum Wayne Northrop died on Friday, November 29th. The actor was 77 and died at the Woodland Hills Home for Film and Television.

Remembering Northrop

His wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, released a statement. She said: “Six years ago Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. He breathed his last in the arms of his family. We would like 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. 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.”

Northrup was best known for his role as Roman Brady, the tough but kind-hearted detective in DAYS (1981–1984 and 1991–1994). Roman’s romance and marriage to Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidra Hall) are still one of the most talked about relationships on daytime television and led to Wayne being named one of the hottest daytime stars. In 2005 he joined Dr. Alex North, a former medical school classmate of Marlena’s, rejoins the cast of DAYS.

In addition to his time on DAYS, Northrup also played the sexy, dynamic, dangerous and manipulative Rex Stanton on ABC Port Charles (1997-2003), a spin-off from General Hospital.

Northrup graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and traveled through Europe for several years. Upon his return, he became fluent in German and enrolled in Acting 101 at Seattle Community College. His only stage experience came in the final revue of his high school. After receiving some good reviews for his work in acting class, Wayne decided to take Hollywood by storm.

He joined the newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theater in 1975 under the direction of Ralph Waite. His work there earned Wayne his first agent, which led to his first television role, a small part in an episode of Police story.

Northrup continued with roles at CBS The Waltons (1989), ABC’s Baretta (1978), ABC’s Eight is enough (1977), NBC’s Beggar, thief (1979), ABC’s The young riders (1989) and Testimony of two men (1977). These are just a few of the actor’s numerous television appearances over the years.

Northrup and his wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, purchased a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California. Wayne and Lynn have spent the last 35 years working on and managing the ranch. In 2008, they purchased the oldest house (1886) in Raymond, California and turned it into a local museum and meeting place. The house is now listed on the Register of Historic Places and is open to tourists. He was strongly committed to wildlife and nature conservation. The cattle farm is run according to ecological principles.

Northrup was born on April 12, 1947 to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop and grew up in the small town of Sumner, Washington. He is survived by his wife and sons, Hank (Laura) and Grady, and his stepmother, Janet Northrop.

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