The soap world was devastated on Sunday to learn of the passing of Days of our Lives alum Wayne Northrop. As the original Roman Brady, he made a lasting impression on generations of DAYS fans. Roman Brady first appeared on the soap in 1981 as a Salem cop assigned to protect Dr. Marlena Evans from the Salem strangler.

Wayne Northrop, who originated the role of Detective Roman Brady on Days of our Lives, has died. He was 77. Northrop was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s six years ago, according to a statement obtained by People.

The extended Days of Our Lives family lost yet another member as Wayne Northrop, the original Roman Brady, passed away on November 30, at the age of 77. The actor’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, confirmed that he had passed away surrounded by loved ones at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home.