Wayne Northrup, widely recognized for his iconic role as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives, passed away on November 29 at the age of 77. Northrup succumbed to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease after a six-year battle, taking his last breath at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home, surrounded by family.
Northrup’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, shared a heartfelt statement: “Wayne took his last breath in the arms of his family. We want to thank the amazing staff at the Motion Picture and Television Home for their compassionate care. Wayne was a loving husband, the best dad to our two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows. He touched so many with his humor and wit.” The couple celebrated 43 years of marriage, raising their family while managing a cattle ranch in Raymond, California.
Northrup became a household name through his portrayal of Roman Brady, a tough yet kind-hearted detective on Days of Our Lives, from 1981-1984 and again from 1991-1994. His onscreen romance with Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidra Hall, remains one of the most enduring love stories in daytime television. In 2005, Northrup returned to DAYS as Dr. Alex North, adding another memorable character to his legacy.
Beyond Days of Our Lives, Northrup played Rex Stanton on Port Charles (1997-2003), showcasing his range as a dynamic and manipulative character. His television career also included roles in popular series such as The Waltons, Baretta, Eight Is Enough, The Young Riders, and Testimony of Two Men, cementing his status as a versatile and enduring actor.
Born on April 12, 1947, in Sumner, Washington, Northrup earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Washington and later pursued acting at Seattle Community College. He began his Hollywood career in 1975, earning his first television role on Police Story. His early work with the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre helped launch a career that spanned decades.
In addition to acting, Northrup and his wife were dedicated conservationists, running their cattle ranch with environmental principles. They also preserved local history by restoring an 1886 home, now a museum in Raymond, California. Northrup is survived by his wife Lynn, sons Hank and Grady, daughter-in-law Laura, and stepmother Janet.
His legacy as an actor and devoted family man lives on in the hearts of fans, family, and the Bloomfield community.