Wayne Northrop, 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Dynasty' star, remembered after death at 77: 'He will be missed'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Wayne Northrop, the original Roman Brady from 'Days of Our Lives', has died at 77. He reportedly died on Friday, November 29, at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home in Los Angeles, six years after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Actress Lynn Herring — Wayne’s wife of 43 years — shared in a touching statement that “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,” she continued, adding “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.”

The man behind Roman Brady

If you were a Days fan in the ’80s or early ’90s, Wayne Northrop was a household name. He debuted as Roman Brady in 1981 and instantly won hearts with his smoldering chemistry opposite Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans. Over more than 1,000 episodes, Wayne made Roman one of the most iconic characters in soap history.

But Days wasn’t his only claim to fame. He played Michael Culhane on Dynasty and later appeared on Port Charles as Rex Stanton. And if you ever binge older TV dramas, you might spot him on shows like 'LA Law' and 'Cold Case', according to People.

Wayne’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t exactly a straight shot. Born on April 12, 1947, in the tiny town of Sumner, Washington, Wayne grew up with big dreams. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in communications. However, instead of jumping straight into the nine-to-five grind, he took off for Europe to travel and find his creative spark.

When he returned, he enrolled in an acting class at Seattle Community College. By 1975, he had moved to Hollywood and joined the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre. Not long after, he landed his first TV gig—a small role on Police Story—and his star began to rise.

His life changed forever in 1981 when he met Lynn Herring in an acting class. The two hit it off instantly and tied the knot the same year. Together, they built a beautiful life full of family, acting, and even ranching.

Hollywood may have known Wayne as Roman Brady, but his heart belonged to his family and their cattle ranch in Raymond, California. He and Lynn bought the ranch over 35 years ago and turned it into a haven for both their family and the environment.

They didn’t just stop at running a ranch—they restored the oldest home in the area — a charming 1886 gem — turning it into a historic site and museum for tourists. Wayne was also deeply passionate about wildlife conservation, making sure the ranch reflected his love for nature.

Fans and friends pay tribute to Wayne Northrop

Wayne Northrop's death hit hard with tributes flooding in from fans and colleagues alike.

Frank Valentini, the producer of 'General Hospital', shared on X (formerly Twitter), “I am so sorry to hear of Wayne Northrop’s passing. He and @TheLynnHerring were married for over 40 years, and Wayne left his mark on Port Charles in more ways than one.”

"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," Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost wrote.

"A great grounded everyman operating in a rather insane storytelling medium. No small feat," he added.

Journalist/producer Michael Fairman added, "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."

Fans also shared their memories of the actor. "Wayne Northrop brought Roman Brady to life. He was amazing as the eldest son of the Brady family & his relationship with Bo was soap gold. Wayne & @peterreckell shared a special bond both on & off screen. He will be missed, but his memories will live on in #Days history forever," one commented.

"Wayne Northrop was the one & only original Roman Brady on Days of our Lives. When I was in HS, Days was my go-to show and each time Wayne & Deirdre were on, it was wowza chemistry! Still them to this day. So so sad to learn of Wayne’s passing," another fan said.

"Another DAYS actor passed away. I’m just so sad right now. Wayne Northrop, the original Roman, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease on Nov 29, 2024. He was 77. RIP, Wayne. Sending love to his wife, family, friends, and the DAYS cast," one chimed in.

Wayne leaves behind his wife Lynn, sons Hank and Grady, and his stepmother Janet.

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