Diane Delano, actress best known for ‘Northern Exposure’ and 'The Wicker Man', dies at 67

Diane Delano received the Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the TV series 'Fumbling Through Pieces'
UPDATED DEC 17, 2024
‘Northern Exposure’ actress Diane Delano died at the age of 67 (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
‘Northern Exposure’ actress Diane Delano died at the age of 67 (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Diane Delano, the actress renowned for her role as Sergeant Barbara Semanski on the iconic TV series 'Northern Exposure', died at the age of 67.

TMZ first reported the news though the official cause of Delano's death has not been disclosed.

Diane Delano of ‘Northern Exposure’ dies at 67 after brief illness

Diane Delano attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's
Diane Delano attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's 'Me Time' at Regency Village Theatre on August 23, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (David Livingston/Getty Images)

Delano died at her home in Los Angeles on Friday, December 13, following a brief illness, her representative Denny Sevier confirmed on Monday, December 16.

Sevier shared in a statement to People, "When Diane entered any room you knew she was there! She was full of life and loved being an actor. She will be missed."

Delano’s acting career spanned decades, with roles in numerous beloved TV series and films. Besides 'Northern Exposure', where she appeared on 12 episodes during the show’s run from 1990 to 1995, Delano’s extensive TV credits include 'Popular', 'Days of Our Lives', 'St Elsewhere', 'LA Law', and 'Desperate Housewives.'

Delano received the Indie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2013 for her performance in the TV series 'Fumbling Through Pieces.' In 2019, she was part of the ensemble cast of 'Relish' which earned the Best Ensemble honor at the Los Angeles Film Awards.

She also had roles in hit series like 'Monk', 'NCIS', and 'Two and a Half Men'.

In film, Delano is perhaps best known for her roles in 'The Wicker Man' (2006), 'Jeepers Creepers 2' (2003), and 'The Ladykillers' (2003) where she starred alongside Tom Hanks.

Her work extended beyond the screen, with Delano lending her voice to animated shows such as 'Ben 10: Alien Force', 'Teen Titans', 'American Dad!', and 'Superman'. Additionally, she voiced characters in several video games, including 'Dead Rising 3' and 'Lego DC Super-Villains'.

Delano’s final acting appearances came in 2024 where she was featured in three independent films, the most recent being 'Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints', which was released earlier this month.

Born on January 29, 1957, in Los Angeles, Diane Delano was a talented performer who made an indelible mark on television, film, and animation. Her legacy continues to live on through her vast body of work as fans and colleagues alike remember her fondly for her versatile roles and contributions to the entertainment world.

Fans mourn Diane Delano’s death at 67

Actress Diane Delano attends the Los Angeles premiere of the comedy film
Diane Delano attends the Los Angeles premiere of the comedy film 'Surf School' on May 16, 2006, at the Crest Theatre in Westwood, California (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

The death of Diane Delano, celebrated for her portrayal of Sergeant Barbara Semanski on 'Northern Exposure', has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, mourning the loss of an actress who brought depth and charm to one of television’s most beloved dramedies.

Reader's online honor Delano’s legacy, reminiscing about her standout performance on 'Northern Exposure'. One user wrote, “Loved 'Northern Exposure'! Her character often brings to mind that of Sally Solomon of '3rd Rock From the Sun.' Deepest heart-sent condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and colleagues."

Another shared, “'Northern Exposure' was must-watch TV. Excellent characters, smart, quirky, and clever. Godspeed, Diane.”

Delano’s portrayal of the no-nonsense yet endearing Officer Semanski left an indelible mark on the show’s quirky Alaskan setting. A fan highlighted, “She was a crucial character in the strange society of 'Northern Exposure.' The show's exterior shots were filmed in the mining town of Roslyn, Washington, and all the actors in that beloved show will be remembered fondly into the future."

The tributes also reflected on Delano’s impact beyond 'Northern Exposure.'

“Officer Semanski was awesome! Rest in peace and thank you for your work!” one admirer commented. Another joked fondly, “Rest in peace, young lady. You did some fine work. Thank you.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025