Diane Delano, ‘Northern Exposure’ and ‘The Wicker Man’ actor, dies at 67
Diane Delano, an actor best known for her work in the Emmy-winning series “Northern Exposure” and feature film “The Wicker Man,” has died at age 67.
Delano died Friday evening at her home in Sherman Oaks, a representative confirmed Tuesday. No cause of death was given.
Joel Fleischman, a young easterner forced by circumstances to start his medical career in a remote town deep in the woodsy Alaska wilderness, is welcomed by the local chamber president: “When I heard we got a crack at a Jew doctor from New York, well, I don’t have to tell you, I jumped.
Since her first television appearance in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere” four decades ago, Delano earned more than 130 acting credits, including regular roles and cameos in shows ranging from HBO drama “Six Feet Under” to Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie.”
Her most popular effort was as Sgt. Barbara Semanski in the early-’90s small-town drama “Northern Exposure.” She also was well known as Kennedy High chemistry teacher Bobbi Glass in the coming-of-age dramedy “Popular,” co-created by Ryan Murphy and and Gina Matthews.
“She was big and bold and brought her sharp wit and perfect comic timing to every role,” Delano’s friend Stepfanie Kramer told Deadline. “Her earthy and raucous presence enabled her to always own the room. She was one of a kind.”
For the record:
11:23 a.m. Dec. 19, 2024A previous version of this article mistakenly identified Diane Delano’s middle name as Allie. Her middle name is Anita.
Diane Anita Delano was born Jan. 29, 1957, in Los Angeles. The granddaughter of actor John Merton, Delano attended Canoga Park High School, per IMDb.
Ryan Murphy has become one of Hollywood’s most prolific producers, largely by turning narcissists, outcasts and murderers into must-see TV.
She began performing as a young child and went on to graduate from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Her frequent childhood visits to watch her grandfather perform inspired her early interest in performing, the trade said.
“Although it was in her DNA, I believe those early studio visits cemented Diane’s love for a life within the industry,” Delano’s cousin Rick Sparks told the Hollywood Reporter.
On top of her myriad television roles, Delano also notably acted in movies including “The Wicker Man” (2006) — a remake of the 1973 original — and “Miracle Mile” (1988).
Delano earned a Los Angeles Film Award for her performance in the 2019 teen adventure film “Relish.” She had previously snagged an Indie Series Award for the TV movie “Fumbling Thru the Pieces” (2011).
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