Breaking News
Days of our Lives Alum Wayne Northrop Passes Away at 77
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.
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
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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