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

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Wayne Northrop has died.

The ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Dynasty’ star, who had a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, passed away on Friday, at the age of 77, surrounded by family.

In a statement shared with Deadline, Wayne’s wife, ‘General Hospital’ actress Lynn Herring Northrop, 66 – who he had sons Hank, 33, and Grady, 31, with – said: “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.”

The soap star portrayed Detective Roman Brady in NBC’s ‘Days of Our Lives’, from 1981 to 1984, and reprised the role between 1991 to 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).

He is also known for playing the chauffeur Michael Culhane on ABC soap ‘Dynasty’ and Rex Stanton on the ‘General Hospital’ spin-off, ‘Port Charles’.

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.

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.

He 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 Hogestyn.

“He 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.

“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the ‘Days of our Lives’. The Hogestyn family.”