Wayne Northrop: Iconic Actor and Rancher, Dies at 77

Celebrated for his classic performances in Days of Our Lives and Dynasty, Wayne Northrop died at the age of 77. Six years after his early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he passed Friday, November 29 in the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles. “He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” actress Lynn Herring Northrop, his wife, said in confirming the news.

From Acting to Ranching: Dedication in Life

Wayne Northrop, born April 12, 1947, in Sumner, Washington, was the son of Robert and Donna Jean Northrop. Following his communications degree from the University of Washington, he toured Europe before finding his calling in acting. After originally attending Seattle Community College, he moved to Los Angeles and subsequently joined the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre in 1975. This signalled the start of a lucrative acting career.

When Northrop played Detective Roman Brady on NBC’s Days of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984 and once more from 1991 to 1994, his career exploded. Appearing in over than 1,000 episodes, he developed a fan-favorite on-screen romance with Dr. Marlena Evans. Later he assumed the character of Dr. Alex North in the same series. Apart from his stint on Days of Our Lives, Northrop portrayed Michael Culhane, the chauffeur to oil tycoon Blake Carrington, on Dynasty. On Port Charles he also portrayed Rex Stanton. His career consisted in supporting parts in hit shows such L.A. Law, Hotel, and Cold Case.

A Legacy Beyond Acting

Northrop wed Lynn Herring, he met at an acting workshop, in 1981. Together, they bought a working cow ranch near Raymond, California, where they spent 35 years combining their passion of ranching with their dedication to wildlife preservation. Built in 1886, the couple rebuilt Raymond’s oldest house and turned it into a museum today registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Said to be a man of humour, wit, and relentless determination, Northrop was especially committed to environmental causes and made sure his ranch represented sustainable methods. Beyond his appearances on film, he was a loving father to his two kids, Hank and Grady, a committed husband of forty-three years, and a dear friend.

Tributes and Final Words

Saying, “Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humour and wit,” Lynn Northrop sincerely thanked the Motion Picture and Television Home for their care. He was a devoted spouse, the best dad ever, and a rancher who treasured his friends and animals. Northrop’s wife, Lynn, his boys Hank and Grady, and his stepmother Janet Northrop survive him. Rich in love, talent, and ardent dedication, he leaves behind a legacy.