Wayne Northrop,Days of Our LivesandDynastyStar, Dies at 77: ‘Took His Last Breath in the Arms of His Family’

Mar. 15, 2025

Wayne Northrop, circa 1985.Photo:Dianna Whitley/Getty

Dianna Whitley/Getty

Wayne Northrop, best known for his acting roles onDays of Our LivesandDynasty, has died. He was 77.

“He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, 66, shared in the statement.

“We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, the Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him,” she continued. “Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit. A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”

Wayne Northrop and wife Lynn Herring Northrop in 1991.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Northrop is best known for his portrayal of detective Roman Brady on NBC’sDays of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994. He appeared on more than 1,000 episodes of the show, and the role featured a fan-favorite on-screen romance with actressDeidre Hall, who plays Dr. Marlena Evans on the series.

Northrop’s other notable roles include Michael Culhane onDynastyas well as Rex Stanton onPort Charles. He also appeared in one-off episodes in a number of series, includingL.A. Law,HotelandCold Case.

Northrop was born on April 12, 1947, to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop and was raised in the small town of Sumner, Wash. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in communications then — after traveling through Europe for several years — enrolled in an acting class at Seattle Community College.

Wayne Northrop, circa 1985.Dianna Whitley/Getty

He eventuallymoved to Hollywoodto pursue acting more seriously, joining the newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre in 1975. The decision eventually led to his first television role, a small part in an episode of the crime dramaPolice Story.

Northrup and his wife — who married in 1981 after meeting inan acting class— eventually purchased a working cattle ranch in Raymond, Calif., and spent the past 35 years running the property. They also acquired the oldest home in the town — built in 1886 — and turned it into a historically protected site and museum that tourists can visit.

The actor was “staunchly committed to wildlife conservation causes” per family’s statement, and the cattle ranch is run to reflect “environmental beliefs.”

source: people.com