Wayne Northrop,“ Days of Our Lives, Dynasty, ”and “Port Charles” star, dies at 77

The soap opera actor was best known for originating the role of "Days" character Roman Brady.

Wayne Northrop, who originated the role of Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives and starred as Michael Culhane on the 1980s soap Dynasty, has died of complications from Alzheimer's. He was 77.

Northrop died on Nov. 27 at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles. His wife, General Hospital star Lynn Herring Northrop, announced the news in a statement on Sunday.

"Wayne was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's six years ago," Herring Northrop said. "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."

She described Northrop as "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."

In addition to appearing in more than 1,000 episodes of Days of Our Lives, Northrop became a familiar face in other soap operas throughout the '80s and '90s.

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Northrop was born on April 12, 1947, to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop and raised in the small town of Sumner, Wash. He initially graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in communications before enrolling in acting classes at Seattle Community College.

Though his only prior experience on stage was in a high school production, Northrop received good reviews for his work in the class and relocated to California, where he joined the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre in 1975. He soon landed his first television role in an episode of Police Story.

Northrop would continue booking TV roles in shows including The Waltons, Baretta, Eight Is Enough, The Young Riders, and Testimony of Two Men before landing the part of the tough yet kindhearted Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives in 1981. He became a fan-favorite character, and Roman's romance and eventual marriage to Deidre Hall's Dr. Marlena Evans was one of the most beloved relationships in daytime television history.

Northrop departed the show in 1984 but returned for another three years in 1991. Though the late Days alum Drake Hogestyn was supposed to take over his role, the storyline was famously retconned so both actors could remain in the series. Northrop departed again in 1994, and Josh Taylor stepped in to play Roman. When Northrop next returned to the show, he had a new role as Dr. Alex North, Marlena's former medical school classmate.

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Northrop continued to find success elsewhere on the small screen, playing the mysterious chauffeur Michael on Dynasty and the manipulative Rex Stanton on the General Hospital spinoff, Port Charles. He also appeared on L.A. Law, Hotel, You Are the Jury, and Cold Case.

Northrop is survived by his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Hank and Grady.