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Days of our Lives Alum Wayne Northrop Passes Away at 77

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NBC

Days of our Lives longtime favorite, Wayne Northrop (the original Roman Brady) has died. Wayne passed away on Friday, November 29th at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home. He was 77 year-old.

Wayne has been married for many years to General Hospital’s Lynn Herring Northrop (Lucy Coe). In a statement from Lynn, she shared, “Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 6 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 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 was best know for his role as the tough, yet kind-hearted detective who stole the heart of Dr.  Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). He played the part from 1981-1984 & again in 1991-1994). He later rejoined DAYS in 2005 as Dr. Alex North a one-time medical school classmate of Marlena’s. On daytime, he also played the role of bad guy Rex Stanton on Port Charles (1997-2003).

Photo: JPI

One of Wayne’s most notable television roles came when he joined the cast of Dynasty as Blake Carrington’s mysterious chauffeur, Michael Culhane. He played the part from 1981-1982. His other roles included performances on: The Waltons (1989) Baretta (1978) Eight is Enough (1977), Cold Case (2004) The Deidre Hall Story (1995), plus the title role of an accused wife murderer in NBC TV’s dramatic special, You are the Jury: The State of Arizona v. Dr. Evan Blake and the starring role of U.S. Olympic Ski Team coach Johnny Lider in the CBS TV movie, Guts and Glory: The Bill Johnson Story (1985).

In real-life, Wayne and Lynn Herring Northrop, purchased a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California. They have spent the last 35 years working and running the ranch. In 2008 they acquired the oldest house (1886) in Raymond, California and made it a local museum and gathering place. The home is now on the registry of historical places and open for tourists. Wayne was staunchly committed to wildlife and conservation causes. The cattle ranch is run true to environmental beliefs.

Courtesy/CynthiaSnyderPT

Wayne was born on April 12, 1947, to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop, and raised in the small town of Sumner, Washington. He graduated with a BA in communications from the University of Washington and proceeded to travel around Europe for several years. Upon his return, fluent in German, he enrolled in Acting 101 at Seattle Community College. His only prior experience on stage was in his high school’s senior class revue. After getting some good reviews for his work in acting class, Wayne decided to take Hollywood by storm.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Herring, whom he married on May 9, 1981, sons Hank (and wife Laura) and Grady, and stepmother, Janet Northrop.

Ironically, two men who played Roman Brady on Days of our Lives, Drake Hogestyn (who eventually turned out to be John Black) and now Wayne Northrop, have passed within a few months of each other. Hogestyn died back on September 28th from pancreatic cancer. The loss of both actors is just heartbreaking for longtime fans of the series, and the Days of our Lives family. Josh Taylor is the current Roman Brady on the beloved soap opera.

Photo: NBC

Michael Fairman TV sends our love and condolences to Lynn, and Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Please share your thoughts and remembrances for Wayne Northrop via the comment section below.

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Another shocking loss in daytime; my deepest condolences go out to Lynn and their family. Alzheimer’s is an absolute bitch.

Omgosh how tacky

Tacky?! How?! By calling Alzheimer’s a[n absolute] bitch? It is, just like Cancer, and other diseases that steal loved ones from their families.

Yep both are.

No class. Very crude to those suffering and their loved ones.

Again, how is it crude and lacking of class? I didn’t call Mr. Northrop an “absolute bitch,” I called the disease he battled one. I sent my condolences to his family. Get over yourself.

Oh I am so sad Wayne was such a dreamboat! RIP Sweet Prince.

It just goes to show you never know what many daytime stars are going through behind the scenes. Lynn has been off and on in front burner story the past few years all while dealing this in her real life.

RIP Wayne. And, comfort to Lynn and her family.

R.I.P. Wayne! Prayers of love and comfort for Lyn and their children!

I am so very sorry to hear this news. I knew him from his stint on Dynasty and Port Charles and from episodic TV. My deepest sympathy to his wonderful wife, Lynn Herring, and their entire family. May he rest in peace.

RIP to the original OG Roman, and condolences to Lynn & the family.

Had no idea Wayne had Alzeheimers, but I guess that explains why he hadn’t been acting in some time. It’s just too bad his last run on Days was wasted on that “Alex North” fiasco.

Wayne Northtrop retired in 2006 following his exit from Days of Our Lives, to run/tend to the ranch he and Lynn lived on. He, essentially, after Alex North, he was done with acting.

That’s too bad, because that’s really a bad note to go out on. I still don’t know what the Hell they were thinking with that story.

Loved Wayne and all his entertainment work. Going to miss him. Thank you Sir for your hard work I so much enjoyed watching you. My condolences to your family, friends and fans. RIP

This is sad news. Alzheimer’s is rough. Prayers to Lynn and his children. I always enjoyed his work.

What heartbreaking news. I loved Wayne as Roman. DAYS has really taken a hit this year with Doug, Drake, and now Wayne. My sincerest condolences to Lynn(Lucy, GH) I always loved trading about them as a couple and had no idea she was dealing with this behind the scenes. Deidre(Marlena, DAYS) must be just beside herself as 2 of her leading men have passed away in real life. This is just devastating.

Condolences Damn I forgot what a mighty fine man that he was So masculine and handsome

What a horrible disease but he was so great I remember him with Deidre what chemistry ! Rest in peace my friend !

Careful calling it horrible… you could be accused on here of being classless, crude and/or tacky.

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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