Star Of Hit ’90s TV Show Dies At 67

The New York Post reports that Diane Delano, best known for her work on the six-season series Northern Exposure, has died at the age of 67. A representative for the 1990s TV star confirmed the news, explaining that she passed away on Friday in her Los Angeles home following a brief illness. No official cause of death has been released.

Delano was celebrated for her portrayal of small-town Alaskan cop Sergeant Barbara Semanski in “Northern Exposure,” which ran on CBS from 1990 to 1995. The comedy-drama enjoyed modest audiences and rave reviews by critics who singled out Delano for her homespun contrast with Rob Morrow’s stuffy main character, a Columbia University med school grad whose vicissitudes sent him to the most northern state for his residency.

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‘Northern Exposure’ actress Diane Delano dies at 67 https://t.co/l4trUUQUGt pic.twitter.com/Vcw2wYKPfJ

— New York Post (@nypost) December 17, 2024

Following her work on “Northern Exposure,” Delano earned roles on shows including “Popular,” “Days of Our Lives,” “St. Elsewhere,” “L.A. Law” “Perfect Strangers,” “Married…With Children,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Monk,” “NCIS,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “2 Broke Girls” and “Two and a Half Men.” Her film credits include “The Wicker Man” (2006) alongside Nicholas Cage, “Jeepers Creepers 2” (2003), and “The Ladykillers” (2003) next to Tom Hanks.

Stepfanie Kramer, a close personal friend of Delano, confirmed her death to Deadline. “She was big and bold and brought her sharp wit and perfect comic timing to every role,” says Kramer. “Her earthy and raucous presence enabled her to always own the room. She was one of a kind.”

🚨🇺🇸 DIANE DELANO, BELOVED CHARACTER ACTRESS, DIES AT 67

Best known as Officer Barbara Semanski on Northern Exposure and science teacher Bobbi Glass on Popular, she died at 67 after a brief illness.

A familiar face in ER, Six Feet Under, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and 2 Broke… pic.twitter.com/pZRItwiJlW

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 17, 2024

Born in 1957 in Los Angeles, Delano took up acting at the age of 6, eventually graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West. According to her cousin Rick Sparks, she didn’t fall far from the family tree in terms of her talents. “Diane was destined to thrive within the entertainment industry,” said Sparks. “Our grandfather, Myrtland Vivian LaVarre, was a New York stage actor who was convinced by Cecil B. DeMille to change his name to ‘John Merton’ and move his wife Esther and their six children out to Hollywood. Eventually, the entire family became working professionals in various aspects of the studio system. Uncle Lane Bradford would take Diane and cousins often to watch him film.”

“Although it was in her DNA, I believe those early studio visits cemented Diane’s love for a life within the industry.”

In addition to her work on-screen, Delano also nabbed significant parts in animated features, including Cartoon Network’s “Ben 10: Alien Force,” “Teen Titans,” “American Dad!,” and “Superman.” Her voicing skills covered video game franchises as well, such as “Dead Rising 3,” “Lego DC Super-Villains” and “Rage 2.” She continued working until her death, appearing in three independent films in 2024; the most recent, “Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints,” was released on streaming platforms earlier this month.

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