Dynasty star dies after devastating health battle
Dynasty actor Wayne Northdrop has died at the age of 77. The star, who had a battle with Alzheimer’s disease passed away on Friday (29 November). His passing was confirmed by his wife, Lynn Herring Northdrop, in a statement, she told Deadline: “Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago. 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.”
Wayne shared two sons with Lynn, he had sons Hank, 33, and Grady, 31. The actor was most well-known for playing Michael Culhane in the original cast of Dynasty, but also Detective Roman Brady in Days of Our Lives between 1981 and 1984, then 1991 and 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).
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Fans paid tribute to the actor on social media, one wrote: “So sad. My heart goes out to his family and his Days family.” Another added: “so sad. He was the best!! Loved his portrayal of Roman!”
A third said: “RIP Wayne. Thank You for bringing Roman Brady to life and being part of such an incredible era of daytime television. 80’s Days was Days at its peak…storylines, acting, production value. It was sublime and still untouched til this day”. A fourth added: “My condolences to a great actor, husband and family man. Especially to Lynn im sorry.”
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. In one complex soap storyline, 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.
Actor Drake passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A statement from Drake's family shared on the soap's social media accounts read: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake HogestynHe 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.”
