Actor Wayne Northrop, who had a long-running role on Days Of Our Lives, has passed at age 77.
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.
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.’
Wayne Northrop, who starred on Days Of Our Lives and Dynasty, has passed at age 77
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
Northrop pictured with his Port Charles castmates in 1997
Outside of acting, the actor had a passion for wildlife and conservation.
Northrop and his wife 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.