‘Days of Our Lives’ actor Wayne Northrop dies at 77

Wayne Northrop, an actor known for originating the role of Roman Brady on “Days of Our Lives,” died on Friday, Nov. 29. He was 77.

Northrop died at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home, his representative said in a statement.

The actor’s wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, said in a statement that Wayne Northrop “was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 6 years ago.”

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

“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,” she added.

Northrop first appeared on “Days of Our Lives” in 1981. He played the role of Roman, a detective and member of the Brady family, until 1984 and again between 1991 and 1994. His character had a memorable romance with Marlena Evans, played by Diedre Hall.

Northrop attended Hall’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May 2016 and posed for photos with Hall and Josh Taylor, who started playing Roman in 1997.

Northrop also appeared in “Dynasty” as Carrington family chauffeur Michael Culhane. He also played Rex Stanton in “Port Charles,” which also starred his wife as Lucy Coe. Other credits include “The Waltons,” “Baretta” and more.

In addition to acting, Northrop ran a cattle ranch in Raymond, California, which he worked on and preserved with his wife.