Who was Wayne Northrop married to? Everything to know about the Dynasty star's family in the wake of his death at 77

Wayne Northrop, best known for his role in Days of Our Lives, has passed away. Citing a statement by his wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, People reported that the actor died at his home at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills in Los Angeles on Friday, November 26, 2024. He was 77.

Per the publication, the announcement comes six years after Northrop was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Lynn stated that the actor "took his last breath in the arms of his family," adding:

"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."

Wayne Northrop married fellow soap actress Lynn Herring on May 9, 1981. They met at an acting class the latter was attending a year earlier. They share two sons, Hank Wayne and Grady Lee.

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Wayne Northrop and Lynn Herring bought the oldest house in their hometown and converted it into a museum in 2008

Wayne Northrop was born in April 1947 to Robert and Donna Jean Northrop in Sumner, Washington. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in communications before traveling through Europe. Per a report by Fox News, his father later remarried Janet Northrop.

Northrop later enrolled in acting classes at Seattle Community College and soon moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. According to an article by People, at the time, he joined the then-newly formed Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre (1975).

His first acting role was a small part in an episode of Police Story. Northrop has since appeared in beloved roles such as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives, Rex Stanton on Port Charles, and Michael Culhane on Dynasty.

Wayne Northrop married Lynn Herring, an actress and beauty pageant titleholder. According to a February 1983 report by People, Herring was Miss Virginia USA 1977 and the 4th runner-up for the title of Miss USA 1977.

Hailing from Enid, Oklahoma, Herring graduated with a degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. Per the publication, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Herring has appeared in several TV shows like General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and Port Charles.

Both Wayne Northrop and Herring are known for conserving several historically significant properties across their hometown of Raymond, California. After marrying, the couple purchased a working cattle ranch. Over the years they ran the property and even preserved it.

In 2008, they purchased the oldest property in the town—the Charles Miller House, built in 1886—and converted it into a museum that tourists can visit. The house is registered on the National Register of Historic Places (a federal list of historic places worthy of preservation).

The couple share two sons: Hank Wayne Northrop, born in 1991, and Grady Lee Northrop, born in 1993. Both siblings followed in their parents' footsteps and took up careers in the entertainment industry.

Hank is an actor who has appeared in TV shows like S.W.A.T., Velvet Prozak, and The Bold and the Beautiful. While Grady is also an actor, he has also worked in the script and continuity department and the sound department.

Some of Grady's acting credits include 101 Ways to Get Rejected (YouTube show) and Disappeared.

Wayne Northrop is survived by his wife, sons, and stepmother.