Remembering Wayne Northrop: A Prolific Actor and Beloved Family Man
The Life and Legacy of Wayne Northrop
Wayne Northrop, a seasoned actor acclaimed for his performances in popular soap operas such as “Days of Our Lives,” “Dynasty,” and “Port Charles,” has left us at the age of 77.
On a somber Friday, Northrop passed away at the serene Motion Picture and Television Fund’s retirement home located in Woodland Hills, California, as confirmed by his publicist to Variety.
A family statement from Northrop’s wife, the talented actor Lynn Herring Northrop, conveyed that “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. 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.”
A Tribute to His Career
Northrop was renowned for his portrayal of the rugged, yet warm-hearted Detective Roman Brady on “Days of Our Lives” from 1981 to 1984. He reprised the role from 1991 to 1994. The character was famously known for his romantic and marital relationship with Deidre Hall’s character, Dr. Marlena Evans. In 2005, Northrop returned to the NBC soap opera, this time as Dr. Alex North, a peer of Dr. Marlena Evans from their medical school days.
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Adding to his versatile acting repertoire, Northrop also played the role of Rex Stanton on ABC’s “Port Charles” from 1997 to 1998 and embodied the character of chauffer Michael Culhane in the first and seventh seasons of “Dynasty.”
A Look at His Early Life
Born on April 12, 1947, to parents Robert and Donna Jean Northrop, Wayne was brought up in the quaint town of Sumner, Washington. After graduating with a BA in communications from the University of Washington, he pursued acting classes at Seattle Community College.
His acting career took a significant turn in 1975 when he became a part of the newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre, led by Ralph Waite. He soon bagged his first television role in an episode of “Police Story” and featured in series like “Cold Case,” “The Haunting of Lisa,” and “The Deidre Hall Story.” Northrop’s acting prowess was also evident in the NBC special “You Are the Jury: The State of Arizona v. Dr. Evan Blake” (1986) and the CBS TV movie “Guts and Glory: The Bill Johnson Story” (1985).
Remembering Wayne Northrop
Wayne Northrop is survived by his wife Lynn, whom he married on May 9, 1981, his sons Hank (Laura) and Grady, and his stepmother Janet Northrop. His legacy will continue to inspire and his contribution to the world of television will always be cherished.
FAQs about Wayne Northrop
Q: What soap operas was Wayne Northrop known for?
A: Wayne Northrop was known for his work on “Days of Our Lives,” “Dynasty,” and “Port Charles.”
Q: When and where did Wayne Northrop pass away?
A: Wayne Northrop died on a Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s retirement home in Woodland Hills, California.
Q: What was Wayne Northrop diagnosed with?
A: Wayne Northrop was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years before his death.
Q: Who survives Wayne Northrop?
A: Wayne Northrop is survived by his wife Lynn, his sons Hank and Grady, and his stepmother Janet Northrop.
Credit: variety.com
