LOS ANGELES – Actor Wayne Northrop, best known for his starring role as Detective Roman Brady on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives,” has died. He was 77.

Northrop died Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles. His death comes six years after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, his wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, said in a statement.

“He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Herring Northrop said.

“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. “I am a 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,” she added.

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Northrop was born on April 12, 1947 in Sumner, Washington. His first acting role was in the television series “Eight is Enough” in 1977. Four years later, in 1981, he landed his career-defining role on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. He appeared in 1,036 episodes during two runs on the series from 1981 to 1984 and 1991 to 1994.

Also in 1981, Northrop debuted in the television series “Dynasty,” playing the role of Carrington family chauffeur Michael Culhane. He appeared in 35 episodes of “Dynasty” from 1981 to 1987.

Northrop was also known for his role as Rex Stanton on the ABC series “Port Charles,” in which he appeared in 121 episodes from 1997 to 1998, working alongside his wife Lynn, who starred in the series.

Northrop’s other acting credits include LA Law, Hotel, The Young Riders, LA Firefighters and Cold Case.

In addition to his wife, Lynn, Northrop is survived by his two adult children, Hank and Grady, and his stepmother, Janet Northrop.