Roman Brady - Casting

Casting

The role was originated on December 8, 1981 by Wayne Northrop. Northrop's Roman departed from the series on November 26, 1984. On November 27, 1985, the series introduced a character known as The Pawn The role was portrayed by Robert Poynton until January 20, 1986, though the character's face is wrapped in bandages. On January 23, 1986, Pawn's bandages are finally removed as Drake Hogestyn made his first appearance as John Black. In May 1986, Hogestyn's character of John is revealed to be Roman with extensive plastic surgery. However, in August 1991, John Black and Roman are proven to be two entirely different characters when Northrop returned as Roman on August 30, 1991. Northrop once again departed from the series on August 2, 1994. On July 18, 1997, Josh Taylor appeared in the role as a recast of Roman Brady. The casting was met criticism due to Taylor's previous portrayal of Chris Kositchek, one of Roman and Marlena's closest friends. Another retcon in 2005 allowed for Northrop to be reintroduced to the series as Marlena's first husband, Dr. Alex North. The producers used Northrop's history and scenes from his time as Roman to create the character. The storyline was also met with disapproval from longtime fans. In 2011, the casting ranked at #19 on We Love Soaps's list of the 25 Biggest Blunders In Daytime Soap Opera History.