Actor Wayne Northrop was fondly remembered by friends and fans amid news that he passed away Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long health battle.
Tributes poured in after the actor’s publicist Cynthia Snyder broke the news Term that Northrop died Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home after a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Several people praised Northrop’s performance on camera, as he had a long-running role as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives over 1,036 episodes from 1981-2006, as well as 121 episodes of the soap opera Port Charles from 1997-1998.
Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, said in a trio of posts on . of my youth.’
Tost described Northrop as “a wonderful, grounded man operating in a rather insane storytelling medium,” which was “no mean feat” artistically.
Tost said that “soap acting is an under-exposed art form” as “the usual standards of reporting, preparation and time are thrown out the window” and “actors hold these roles for decades, with the most absurd plot twists and situations.” with them.’
Actor Wayne Northrop was fondly remembered by friends and fans amid news that he passed away Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long health battle. Pictured in 2003
Several people praised Northrop’s performance on camera as he played Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives for 1,036 episodes from 1981-2006. Pictured in 2003
He added, “The very best of them navigate it with grace and dignity, creating a connection with their audience that can perhaps only be matched by the connection felt between professional wrestlers and their audience.”
“Anyway, Northrop was the favorite: a real human being in an unreal medium.”
Northrop’s one-time Days of Our Lives costar Alison Sweeney, 48, said on stage that she was “sending lots of love today to ‘the actor’s widow Lynn Herring Northrop’ and the entire Northrup family.”
She added that her first scenes on the show playing her signature role of Sami were opposite Northrop.
“I remember him helping me understand how to pretend I was breaking into the Brady house with a hairpin,” said Sweeney, 48. “He was a wonderful, kind man, a talented, generous actor and a beloved member of the Days family. .
“I learned so much from working with Wayne and will cherish the memories with him. Rest in peace, Wayne.
Frank Valentini, executive producer of General Hospital, said, “On behalf of our entire @GeneralHospital family, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Lynn and their sons, Hank and Grady – along with their family and friends. They are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.”
Journalist/producer Michael Fairman wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Wayne’s passing. My heart goes out to Lynn and family. Sending hugs during this difficult time.’
Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, noted how talented Northrop was in a difficult business
Northrop’s Days of Our Lives co-star Alison Sweeney, 48, said he was fantastic to work with
Others in the industry paid tribute to Northrop following the news of his death
Fans were also vocal in the forum, with some referencing the deaths of Days of Our Lives actors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn earlier this year.
“I am so saddened by the news of Wayne Northrup’s passing,” said one fan. “I adored him as Roman in Days. My heart goes out to Lynn and their boys, and to everyone at Days. It’s been a sad year with the loss of Bill, Drake and now Wayne. Rest in peace Wayne and thank you.”
Another said: ‘Wayne as Roman Brady brought so much to this show. Without Roman and Marlena’s romance, there would have been no John. To lose both Drake and Wayne in the same year.”
Another added: ‘RIP Wayne Northrup, you were an icon.’
His wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, said in a statement to the newspaper that her husband breathed his last “in the arms of his family.”
“Wayne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years ago. He breathed his last in the arms of his family,” she said.
‘We would like to thank the most caring and wonderful place, The Motion Picture and Television Home, for the wonderful care they took of him. Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and humor.
“A husband of 43 years, the best father ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a farmer who loved his cows and was a friend to many.”
Fans were also vocal in the forum, with some referencing the deaths of Days of Our Lives actors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn earlier this year
The actor pictured at the Days of Our Lives 40th anniversary party in 2005
Northrop was in over 1000 episodes on Days Of Our Lives; pictured with co-star Deirdre Hall
Northrop appeared in 1,036 episodes of Days of Our Lives, playing two different roles: Detective Roman Brady from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994, followed by Dr. Alex North.
Another long role was in Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton in 121 episodes.
From 1981 to 1987 he played Michael Culhane in the legendary soap opera Dynasty.
His career includes roles on LA Law, The Waltons, LA Firefighters and more.
His last IMDb credit was a role in a 2004 episode of Cold Case.
Northrop’s acting career began after he moved to LA from Washington after college The Hollywood Reporter.
Northrop signed with his first agent and landed his first TV role (Police Story) after joining the Los Angeles Actors’ Theater.
He then married Lynn in 1981 and they welcomed sons Hank Wayne and Grady Lee together.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Northrop’s acting career began after he moved to LA from Washington after college; pictured around 1980
Another long role was in Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton in 121 episodes
Besides acting, the actor had a passion for wildlife conservation and conservation.
According to THR, Northrop and his wife then purchased a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California.
Additionally, in 2008, Northrop and his wife became the owners of the oldest house in Raymond, a house built in 1886.
They purchased the house and have since turned it into a museum that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
According to Deadline, the actor is survived by his wife Lynn, their two sons and his stepmother.