Kaylah Walton
Wayne Northrop, a seasoned television actor celebrated for his impactful performances on the soap Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 77. This news was confirmed by his publicist, Cynthia Snyder, who stated that Northrop passed away at the Motion Picture and Television Home in Woodland Hills, a residence for those in the entertainment field.
Northrop struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for six years, which led him to need assisted living services.
“Wayne was diagnosed six years ago with early onset Alzheimer’s. He took his last breath surrounded by family,” shared his wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, as reported by Deadline.
“We are grateful to the incredible staff at the Motion Picture and Television Home for their support. Wayne had a remarkable ability to connect with others through his humor and charm. He was a devoted husband for 43 years and the most wonderful dad to his two sons, Hank and Grady, as well as a rancher who cherished his cattle and friendships.”
In a poignant note, Lynn Herring Northrop mentioned that he left this world with family by his side and thanked the Motion Picture and Television Home for their dedicated care in his final days.
A legacy of iconic performances
Northrop’s career took off in the late 1970s with guest spots on popular shows like Baretta and The Waltons.
His significant opportunity arose in 1981 with a recurring role in the well-known series Dynasty, where he played Michael Culhane, the chauffeur for Blake Carrington, portrayed by John Forsythe. Northrop appeared in 35 episodes of this classic show.
Most notably, his role in Days of Our Lives solidified his status in the industry. Over many years, he portrayed two characters, Roman Brady and Dr. Alex North, accumulating an impressive 1,036 episodes from 1981 to 2006. His engaging performances resonated with viewers and established him as a staple in daytime television.
Apart from his work on Days of Our Lives, Northrop had roles in various other series, including Port Charles, The Young Riders, L.A. Law, Hotel, and Cold Case.
