Wayne Northrop has died aged 77(Image: Getty Images)

Dynasty and Days of Our Lives star Wayne Northrop dies after devastating health struggles

by · Irish Mirror

Wayne Northrop has died aged 77. The late Dynasty and Days of Our Lives star had been battling Alzheimer's disease before his death on Friday, November 29.

Wayne died surrounded by his nearest and dearest. His wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, 66, a General Hospital actress and his partner for 43 years, shared with Deadline: "Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago." She continued, "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 humour 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." Tributes have since poured in online, with fans flocking to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their devastation.

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One said: "I am so sad to hear about the passing of Wayne Northrop. My prayers are with Lynn Herring and their sons and family and friends." A second added: "He was such an amazing actor I have enjoyed Wayne's presence on Days of Our Lives for years in between time Wayne Northrop was my favourite actor as Roman Brady on the show." "Oh No! 2024 is ending on a very sad note. Rest In Peace Wayne Northrop," commented a third.

Northrop was famed for his role as Detective Roman Brady on NBC’s 'Days of Our Lives', which he played from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994. He made a comeback to the series in 2005 as Dr. Alex North. Additionally, he graced the screen as Michael Culhane, the chauffeur on ABC's 'Dynasty', and Rex Stanton on the 'General Hospital' spin-off, 'Port Charles'. The news of Wayne's passing follows closely behind the passing of Drake Hogestyn, Northrop's co-star from 'Days of Our Lives', who died on September 28, aged 70.

Wayne's wife, General Actress star Lynn Herring confirmed the devastating news(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
The actor had been battling Alzheimer's disease(Image: WireImage)

Soap opera legend Drake Hogestyn, famed for his role as Roman and later John Black in " The soap star portrayed Detective Roman Brady in NBC’s 'Days of Our Lives', from 1981 to 1984, and reprised the role between 1991 to 1994. In 2005, he returned to the show in the role of Dr. Alex North, an old school pal of Roman’s wife Marlena Evans (Deirdre Hall).

He is also known for playing the chauffeur Michael Culhane on ABC soap 'Dynasty' and Rex Stanton on the 'General Hospital' spin-off, 'Port Charles'. Wayne's death comes two months after his 'Days of Our Lives' co-star Drake Hogestyn's death on September 28, at the age of 70. Drake was assumed to be the presumed-dead Roman after plastic surgery and amnesia but became the character John Black when Wayne returned to the soap in a confusing character swap.

He passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A statement from Drake's family shared on the soap's social media accounts read: ", has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer. The family expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement shared on the show's social accounts: "It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn."

They continued to reveal, "He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. " They paid tribute to his roles both at home and on set, saying, "He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the 'Days of our Lives'. The Hogestyn family."

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