'Days of Our Lives' star Wayne Northrop dies at 77

Wayne Northrop, an actor known for his acting chops in Days of Our Lives, passed away at the age of 77.

Per a family statement obtained by People, the Dynasty star breathed his last at Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Homes on Friday, November 29, six years after his early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

"He took his last breath in the arms of his family," the statement, shared by Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, stated, expressing her gratitude to the Motion Picture Home for taking care of him.

"Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humour and wit," she continued. "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."

Northrop is best known for his role as detective Roman Brady on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, which featured his fan-favourite on-screen romance with actress Deidre Hall’s Dr. Marlena Evans.

His other notable roles include Michael Culhane from Dynasty and Rex Stanton on Port Charles.

In addition, he appeared in one-off episodes in several series, including Cold Case, L.A. Law and Hotel.

Northrup is survived by his wife, 66, their two adult children, Hank and Grady, and his stepmother, Janet Northrop.