Wayne Northrop's longtime friend shares emotional tribute to Days of Our Lives star after his death
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- Soap actor was married to wife Lynn Herring Northrop for more than 40 years
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Actor Wayne Northrop was well-remembered by friends and fans amid news of his passing Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long-running health battle.
The tributes poured in after the actor's publicist Cynthia Snyder told Deadline that Northrop died Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home following a years-long battle with Alzheimer's.
Multiple people hailed Northrop's accomplishments in front of the camera, as he had a long-running role as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives over 1036 episodes from 1981-2006, as well as 121 episodes of the soap Port Charles from 1997-1998.
Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, said in a trio of posts on X/Twitter, 'Rest in peace Wayne Northrup, aka the original Roman Brady from DAYS OF OUR LIVES, aka an actor I hung out with on just about every summer day of my childhood.'
Tost described Northrop as 'a great grounded everyman operating in a rather insane storytelling medium,' which was 'no small feat' artistically.
Tost said that 'soap opera acting is an under-acknowledged art form' as 'the usual norms of coverage, preparation, time are thrown out the window' and 'actors inhabit these roles for decades, with the most absurd plot twists & situations thrown at them.'
Actor Wayne Northrop was well-remembered by friends and fans amid news of his passing Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long-running health battle. Pictured in 2003
Multiple people hailed Northrop's accomplishments in front of the camera, as he played Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives over 1036 episodes from 1981-2006. Pictured in 2003
He added, 'The very best of them navigate it all with grace and dignity, creating a connection with their audience that can only maybe be matched by the connection felt between pro wrestlers and their audience.
'Anyway, Northrop was a favorite - a real human in an unreal medium.'
Northrop's one-time Days of Our Lives costar Alison Sweeney, 48, said on the platform that she was 'sending much love to' the actor's widow Lynn Herring Northrop 'and the whole Northrup family today.'
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 to break into the Brady house with a bobby-pin,' 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 treasure the memories with him. Rest in peace, Wayne.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said, 'On behalf of our entire @GeneralHospital family, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Lynn and their sons, Hank and Grady - along with their family and friends. They are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.'
Journalist/producer Michael Fairman wrote, 'I am deeply saddened to learn the news of Wayne's passing. My heart goes out to Lynn & family. Sending hugs during this difficult time.'
Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, noted how talented Northrop was in a difficult craft
Northrop's Days of Our Lives costar Alison Sweeney, 48, said he was fantastic to work with
Others in the industry paid memorial to Northrop upon news of his passing
Fans were also vocal on the forum, with some referencing the deaths of Days of Our Lives actors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn earlier this year.
'I'm 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 such a sad year losing 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’ve 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 shared with the outlet that her husband took his final breath 'in the arms of his family'.
'Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 6 years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family,' she said.
'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.'
Fans were also vocal on 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 on Days Of Our Lives in over 1000 episodes; pictured with co-star Deirdre Hall
Northrop appeared on 1036 episodes of Days of Our Lives, where he played two different roles - Detective Roman Brady from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994, followed by Dr. Alex North.
Another lengthy role was on Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton on 121 episodes.
From 1981 to 1987, he played Michael Culhane on the legendary soap opera Dynasty.
His career included roles in L.A. Law, The Waltons, L.A. Firefighters, and more.
His last credit on IMDb was a role on a 2004 episode of Cold Case.
Northrop's acting career began after he relocated to LA from Washington following his college studies, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Northrop signed with his first agent and landed his first TV role (Police Story) after he joined the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre.
He went on to wed Lynn in 1981 and they welcomed sons Hank Wayne and Grady Lee together.
Northrop's acting career began after he relocated to LA from Washington following his college studies, according to The Hollywood Reporter; pictured circa 1980
Another lengthy role was on Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton on 121 episodes
Outside of acting, the actor had a passion for wildlife and conservation.
Northrop and his wife went on to buy a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California, according to THR.
Additionally, in 2008 Northrop and his wife became the owners of the oldest house in Raymond, a home constructed in 1886.
They purchased the home and have since transformed it into a museum that has now joined the National Register of Historic Places.
The actor is survived by his wife Lynn, their two sons, and his stepmother, according to Deadline.
