‘Days of Our Lives’ (DOOL) spoilers confirm that Wayne Northrop, the first actor to play the plum role of Roman Brady on Days, passed away on Friday, November 27th, at the age of 77.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Northrop Suffered With Alzheimer’s Disease
He first appeared on Days in 1981 and played on the soap until 1984, then again from 1991 to 1994. The soap veteran has been married to General Hospital’s Lynn Herring (Lucy Coe) since May 1981.
In a statement, Herring shared,
“Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family. We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, The Motion Picture and Television Home, for taking such great care of him,”
She said.
“Wayne touched so many people with his great sense of humor and wit. A husband for forty-three 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.”
Northrop’s first soap role was in primetime when he played Michael Culhane on Dynasty from the pilot episode in 1981 until the first season finale in 1981. Then, he returned to Dynasty again from 1986 to 1987.
When he was on Days, fans fell in love with his portrayal of Detective Roman Brady, and his main love interest was Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), whom he married in February 1983.
The couple first met when the Salem Strangler stalked Marlena, and Roman was the detective assigned to the case. The serial killer was revealed to be Jake Kositchek (Jack Coleman), whom Roman arrested.
In October 1984, their twins, Sami Brady (Allison Sweeny) and Eric Brady (Greg Vaughn), were born on screen to proud parents.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Northrop Is A Huge Part Of Days History
The late Drake Hogestyn, who passed away in September, was chosen to play Roman Brady in 1986. However, Northrop was asked to return to Days in 1991. The character Hogestyn was playing was revealed as an imposter named John Black.
Northrop exited the role in 1994. In 1997, Josh Taylor came onto the canvas to tackle the iconic role, and he still plays Roman Brady to this day.
Northrop returned to Days again in 2005, and now he was playing the part of Dr. Alex North, Marlena’s first husband. He left Days for the last time in 2006.
The actor also got to play opposite his wife, Herring, on General Hospital’s sister soap, Port Charles. He played Rex Stanton from 1997 to 1998.
The Days actor started his time on Days with a warm welcome. He told Soap Opera Digest in 2015 that he was asked to come to the studio and read for a role on the soap.
“I tested with Dee (Deidre Hall), and then they said, ‘We want you!’ They ended up creating a whole family around the character, which was a special thing,”
He mused.
Northrop retired from acting to focus his efforts on a working ranch the couple purchased in 1989. They made it their full-time residence in 2003.
Northrop is survived by his wife, Lynn Herring, his children, Hank and Grady, and his stepmom, Janet.
