Though it’s been some time since Wayne Northrop graced the daytime airwaves on Days of our Lives, he remains just as popular a performer as he ever was. Today, this fan favorite is celebrating a big milestone.
Happy Birthday, Wayne Northrop!
That’s because he was born on April 12, 1947, in Sumner, Washington, which means that this talented actor is turning 77 years old today! After earning his B.A. in communications from the University of Washington, Northrop tried his hand at acting.
His big break presented itself when he was tapped to replace an actor in the Young Company’s production of Arnold Wesker’s The Kitchen. Good reviews resulted in Northrop gaining an agent and a starring role in the company’s next production.
In 1977, he appeared in an episode of Eight Is Enough, which was quickly followed by guest roles on Baretta and The Waltons. Subsequent efforts include the made-for-television films Beggarman Thief and Going for Gold: The Bill Johnson Story and a guest spot on You Are the Jury.
He was among the many inaugural cast members of ABC’s primetime serial Dynasty, and his role as scheming chauffeur Michael Culhane — which lasted the entirety of the program’s first season — led to his hiring at DAYS.
On that soap, he originated the role of Roman Brady, a street-smart, tough-talking detective who quickly won the affections of prim and proper psychiatrist Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall).
Their subsequent coupling developed against a backdrop of danger — Roman was assigned to protect her from falling victim to the Salem Strangler after all — proved immensely popular with daytime devotees.
After exiting the soap in 1984, Northrop went on to film episodes of Hotel, The Young Riders, and LA Firefighters. Between 1988 and 1989, he had a recurring role on NBC’s LA Law, and during the 1990s, he could be seen popular made-for-TV chiller, The Haunting of Lisa.
He eventually made three return trips to soaps, including as DAYS’ Roman. Also, from 1997 to 1998, he played Port Charles’ devilish Rex Stanton, and from 2005-2006 he played a new Days of our Lives character, Alex North, Marlena’s heretofore unknown first husband.
Soap Hub would like to wish Wayne Northrop a very happy birthday and many more.
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