Cricket legend (81) and Dynasty star passes away, Australia mourns
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The Australian cricket community is mourning after the death of one of its most respected figures.
A stoic opening batsman and an Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member, his career spanned a transformative era in the sport, leaving behind an inspiring and unique legacy.
The entertainment world also mourns the loss of a beloved figure known for his iconic roles in Days of Our Lives and Dynasty.
His publicist confirmed the sad news, stating that he died at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family.
Ian Redpath, who graced the cricket field in 66 Tests for Australia, was known for his unwavering concentration and solid technique.
Born in Geelong, Victoria, Redpath immediately impacted his Test debut in 1964, scoring 97 runs and forming a formidable 219-run opening partnership with fellow Victorian Bill Lawry.
However, it wasn't until five years later that he would score his first Test century, a milestone that marked the beginning of a prolific run-scoring spree.
Redpath's career was characterised by a late bloom, with the second half far more prosperous than the first.
He retired from Test cricket at the relatively young age of 34, only to make a surprising comeback with World Series Cricket between 1977 and 1979.
His resilience and dedication to the game were evident as he continued to defy age and expectations.
Throughout his career, Redpath compiled 4,734 runs at an impressive average of 43.45, including eight centuries.
He also played a part in the first-ever one-day international in 1971, contributing to Australia's victory over England in Melbourne.
His ability to withstand the fiercest of bowling attacks was legendary, and his performances against the formidable West Indies pace battery, led by Michael Holding and Andy Roberts, were particularly memorable.
Redpath's efforts in that series helped Australia secure a victory that would remain unmatched by the team for the next two decades.
Off the field, Redpath's story is equally fascinating.
He remained the last man to play a Test for Australia as an amateur, initially declining payments for his debut series.
This decision allowed him to continue playing Aussie rules football in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, showcasing his athletic versatility.
However, his amateur status was short-lived, as he accepted tour payments for the 1964 Ashes series.
As a batsman, Redpath was the epitome of patience and discipline.
His defence was considered impregnable, earning high praise from teammates and opponents alike.
Greg Chappell, one of Australia's greatest batsmen, described him as one of the most brutal men in Australia to get out.
English fast bowler John Snow lamented Redpath's saintly refusal to be drawn into playing loose shots, which he said was a testament to his mental fortitude and technical prowess.
Redpath's approach to batting was conservative but effective.
He hit only two sixes in his Test career, both coming in his penultimate match.
His restraint was such that he only hit one six at his home ground, the MCG, in any level of cricket—a rare feat his wife famously missed while discussing shopping plans in the stands.
Following his playing days, Redpath remained a significant figure in Australian cricket, coaching Victoria and contributing to the cricket community in Geelong.
His induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023 was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the sport.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute to Redpath, describing him as 'a much loved and revered figure' in Australian cricket.
Baird highlighted Redpath's courage, sportsmanship, humour, and deep love for the game, which is evident in his first-class and community contributions.
Born on April 12 1947, in Washington, Northrop's journey to stardom began after graduating with a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Washington.
With dreams of lighting up the screen, he made his way to Los Angeles, where his acting career would soon flourish.
Northrop's first taste of the limelight came with a role in an episode of Police Story, but it was just the beginning.
He went on to grace television screens in The Waltons, Hotel, L.A. Law, and Cold Case, showcasing his versatility and charm.
However, his portrayal of Detective Roman Brady in the beloved soap opera Days of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984 and from 1991 to 1994 catapulted him to fame.
Audiences were captivated by his performance, and he became a household name.
In a twist of fate, Northrop returned to Days of Our Lives in 2005, not as Roman Brady but as Dr Alex North, a new character with ties to his former character's wife, Dr Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall.
His ability to seamlessly transition between roles was a testament to his talent and professionalism.
Northrop's charisma also shone through in the original Dynasty series, where he played the sophisticated chauffeur Michael Culhane in the first season, a role he would revisit in season seven.
His presence on the show added depth and intrigue, making his character a memorable part of the Dynasty legacy.
Behind the scenes, Wayne Northrop was a devoted husband to his wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, for 43 years, a loving father to his two sons, Hank and Grady, and a passionate rancher who cherished his cows and the friendships he cultivated over the years.
Lynn Herring Northrop's heartfelt statement with Deadline highlighted Wayne's profound impact on those around him.
It noted his sense of humour and wit and the joy he brought to his family and friends.
The family expressed their gratitude to The Motion Picture and Television Home for the exceptional care provided during his final years.
As we reflect on Wayne Northrop's legacy, we are reminded of the light he brought to the world through his performances and the love he shared with his family.
His passing is a stark reminder of the toll Alzheimer's disease can take, not only on the individuals it afflicts but also on their loved ones.
We remember their remarkable legacies as we bid farewell to Ian Redpath and Wayne Northrop.
Redpath, a cricket icon whose resilience and dedication to the game inspired generations, and Northrop.
They will both be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
A stoic opening batsman and an Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member, his career spanned a transformative era in the sport, leaving behind an inspiring and unique legacy.
The entertainment world also mourns the loss of a beloved figure known for his iconic roles in Days of Our Lives and Dynasty.
His publicist confirmed the sad news, stating that he died at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family.
Ian Redpath, who graced the cricket field in 66 Tests for Australia, was known for his unwavering concentration and solid technique.
Born in Geelong, Victoria, Redpath immediately impacted his Test debut in 1964, scoring 97 runs and forming a formidable 219-run opening partnership with fellow Victorian Bill Lawry.
The passing of Ian Redpath, an esteemed Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member and former Test opener, at 83 has been confirmed. Credit: Facebook
However, it wasn't until five years later that he would score his first Test century, a milestone that marked the beginning of a prolific run-scoring spree.
Redpath's career was characterised by a late bloom, with the second half far more prosperous than the first.
He retired from Test cricket at the relatively young age of 34, only to make a surprising comeback with World Series Cricket between 1977 and 1979.
His resilience and dedication to the game were evident as he continued to defy age and expectations.
Throughout his career, Redpath compiled 4,734 runs at an impressive average of 43.45, including eight centuries.
He also played a part in the first-ever one-day international in 1971, contributing to Australia's victory over England in Melbourne.
His ability to withstand the fiercest of bowling attacks was legendary, and his performances against the formidable West Indies pace battery, led by Michael Holding and Andy Roberts, were particularly memorable.
Redpath's efforts in that series helped Australia secure a victory that would remain unmatched by the team for the next two decades.
Off the field, Redpath's story is equally fascinating.
He remained the last man to play a Test for Australia as an amateur, initially declining payments for his debut series.
This decision allowed him to continue playing Aussie rules football in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, showcasing his athletic versatility.
However, his amateur status was short-lived, as he accepted tour payments for the 1964 Ashes series.
As a batsman, Redpath was the epitome of patience and discipline.
His defence was considered impregnable, earning high praise from teammates and opponents alike.
Greg Chappell, one of Australia's greatest batsmen, described him as one of the most brutal men in Australia to get out.
English fast bowler John Snow lamented Redpath's saintly refusal to be drawn into playing loose shots, which he said was a testament to his mental fortitude and technical prowess.
Redpath's approach to batting was conservative but effective.
He hit only two sixes in his Test career, both coming in his penultimate match.
His restraint was such that he only hit one six at his home ground, the MCG, in any level of cricket—a rare feat his wife famously missed while discussing shopping plans in the stands.
Following his playing days, Redpath remained a significant figure in Australian cricket, coaching Victoria and contributing to the cricket community in Geelong.
His induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023 was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the sport.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute to Redpath, describing him as 'a much loved and revered figure' in Australian cricket.
Baird highlighted Redpath's courage, sportsmanship, humour, and deep love for the game, which is evident in his first-class and community contributions.
Born on April 12 1947, in Washington, Northrop's journey to stardom began after graduating with a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Washington.
With dreams of lighting up the screen, he made his way to Los Angeles, where his acting career would soon flourish.
Wayne Northrop, known for his roles in Days of Our Lives and Dynasty, has passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Credit: Facebook
Northrop's first taste of the limelight came with a role in an episode of Police Story, but it was just the beginning.
He went on to grace television screens in The Waltons, Hotel, L.A. Law, and Cold Case, showcasing his versatility and charm.
However, his portrayal of Detective Roman Brady in the beloved soap opera Days of Our Lives from 1981 to 1984 and from 1991 to 1994 catapulted him to fame.
Audiences were captivated by his performance, and he became a household name.
In a twist of fate, Northrop returned to Days of Our Lives in 2005, not as Roman Brady but as Dr Alex North, a new character with ties to his former character's wife, Dr Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall.
His ability to seamlessly transition between roles was a testament to his talent and professionalism.
Northrop's charisma also shone through in the original Dynasty series, where he played the sophisticated chauffeur Michael Culhane in the first season, a role he would revisit in season seven.
His presence on the show added depth and intrigue, making his character a memorable part of the Dynasty legacy.
Behind the scenes, Wayne Northrop was a devoted husband to his wife, actress Lynn Herring Northrop, for 43 years, a loving father to his two sons, Hank and Grady, and a passionate rancher who cherished his cows and the friendships he cultivated over the years.
Lynn Herring Northrop's heartfelt statement with Deadline highlighted Wayne's profound impact on those around him.
It noted his sense of humour and wit and the joy he brought to his family and friends.
The family expressed their gratitude to The Motion Picture and Television Home for the exceptional care provided during his final years.
As we reflect on Wayne Northrop's legacy, we are reminded of the light he brought to the world through his performances and the love he shared with his family.
His passing is a stark reminder of the toll Alzheimer's disease can take, not only on the individuals it afflicts but also on their loved ones.
Redpath, a cricket icon whose resilience and dedication to the game inspired generations, and Northrop.
They will both be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
