Wayne Northrop, known for his roles in Dynasty and Days of Our Lives, has died aged 77.
The soap star's publicist told Deadline that he died on Friday following a years-long struggle with Alzheimer's.
"Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's six years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family," Northrop's wife, actor Lynn Herring Northrop said 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. 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."
Wayne played the part of the tough yet kind-hearted Detective Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984, returning for a second stint from 1991 to 1994.
He returned for a third time as Dr Alex North from 2005 to 2006, a medical school classmate of Roman's wife, Dr Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall.
The actor also played chauffeur Michael Culhane on the first season of Dynasty in 1981, before reprising the role in Season seven.
