Best known for his portrayal as Roman Brady on “Days of our Lives” (1981-1984; 1991-1994) and Michael Culhane on “Dynasty,” actor Wayne Northrop died on Friday, November 29 at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Woodland Hills. He was just 77 years old.
Outside of soaps, Northrop was married to “General Hospital” star Lynn Herring (Lucy Coe) for 43 years. They had two kids together, Hank and Grady.
In a family statement, they said, “Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 6 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.”
For the last 35 years, Northrop and Herring ran their working cattle ranch in Raymond, California. In 2008, they acquired the oldest house (1886) in the area and converted it into a local museum and gathering place. The home is now on the registry of historical places and open for tourists. Northrop was staunchly committed to wildlife and conservation causes with the cattle ranch running true to environmental beliefs.
Born April 12, 1947 in Sumner, Washington, Northrop graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Following his graduation, he proceeded to travel around Europe for several years.
Fluent in German, Northrop enrolled in Acting 101 at Seattle Community College upon his return to the United States. He previously had experience on stage as part of his high school’s senior class revue. After receiving good reviews for his work in acting class, Northrop decided to take on Hollywood.
Joining the newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre headed by Ralph Waite in 1975, Northrop soon landed his first television role, a small part in an episode of “Police Story” after his work at the L.A. Actors’ Theatre helped him garner attention from talent agents.
One of the greatest love stories of all time, the romance between Roman Brady (Northrop) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) on “Days of our Lives” quickly captured the attention of soap opera fans, becoming one of the most beloved in all of television and led to Northrop being labeled one of the hottest stars in daytime television. In 2005 he returned to the series playing the role of the cast “Dr. Alex North,” a one-time medical school classmate of Marlena’s.
In addition to “Days of our Lives,” Northrop also portrayed Michael Culhane on ABC’s “Dynasty,” playing Blake Carrington’s mysterious chauffeur. He also had the title role of an accused wife murderer in the NBC special, “You are the Jury: The State of Arizona v. Dr. Evan Blake” (1986) and a starring role playing U.S. Olympic Ski Team coach Johnny Lider in the CBS made for television movie, “Guts and Glory: The Bill Johnson Story” (1985).
Other credits for Northrop include “The Waltons” (1989) “Baretta” (1978), “Eight is Enough” (1977), “Beggerman, Thief” (1979), “The Young Riders” (1989) and “Testimony of Two Men” (1977).
From 1997-1998, Northrop appeared on the first season of ABC’s “Port Charles” where he played the role of Rex Stanton, a sexy, dynamic, dangerous and manipulative man. The role led the actor to appear on screen opposite his real-life wife, Lynn.
Northrop is survived by his wife, Lynn Herring, sons Hank (and wife Laura) and Grady and stepmother, Janet Northrop.