Wayne Northrop, Days of Our Lives and Dynasty Star, Dies at 77: ‘Took His Last Breath in the Arms of His Family’

The actor, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago, died in Los Angeles on Nov. 29.

Wayne Northrop, best known for his acting roles on Days of Our Lives and Dynasty, has died. He was 77.

The actor died in Los Angeles at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home on Friday, Nov. 29, six years after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE

He took his last breath in the arms of his family,” Northrop’s wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, 66, shared in the statement.

“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.

“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.”

Northrop is best known for his portrayal of detective Roman Brady on NBC’s Days of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994.

He appeared on more than 1,000 episodes of the show, and the role featured a fan-favorite on-screen romance with actress Deidre Hall, who plays Dr. Marlena Evans on the series.

Northrop’s other notable roles include Michael Culhane on Dynasty as well as Rex Stanton on Port Charles.

He also appeared in one-off episodes in a number of series, including L.A. Law, Hotel and Cold Case.

Northrop was born on April 12, 1947, to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop and was raised in the small town of Sumner, Wash.

He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in communications then — after traveling through Europe for several years — enrolled in an acting class at Seattle Community College.