Diane Delano Passes Away at 67: Celebrating the Life of a Bold and Beloved Actor
Diane Delano, a versatile actor best known for her unforgettable roles in Northern Exposure, Popular, and The Wicker Man, passed away on December 13 at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, after a battle with cancer. She was 67 years old. The news was confirmed by her close friend, actress Stepfanie Kramer, on Monday.
A Career of Remarkable Performances
Diane Delano built an impressive career spanning over 40 years in television, film, and voice acting. She became a household name for her role as Barbara Semanski, the no-nonsense Alaskan state trooper and love interest of Barry Corbin’s character, Maurice Minnefield, in the Emmy-winning CBS series Northern Exposure. Another standout performance was her portrayal of Roberta “Bobbi” Glass, the stern and sharp-tongued teacher in Ryan Murphy’s WB Network series Popular (1999-2001).
Delano also made her mark on the big screen with roles in films like The Wicker Man and the Coen brothers’ The Ladykillers. Her television credits were equally impressive, featuring appearances in Mom, Mike & Molly, Desperate Housewives, Everwood, Days of Our Lives, Six Feet Under, Monk, and Cop Rock. Delano brought her talent to animated roles as well, voicing characters in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Teen Titans.
In her later years, she expanded into voice work for video games, such as Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and contributed to animated series like Infinity Train. She also appeared in recent hits like Pen15 and Good Girls, showing her ability to adapt to different genres and generations of viewers.
A Personality Larger Than Life
Described as someone with a vibrant presence, Diane Delano was known for her sharp wit, perfect comic timing, and her bold energy that could light up any room. Stepfanie Kramer fondly remembered her, saying, “She was big and bold and brought her sharp wit and perfect comic timing to every role. Her earthy and raucous presence enabled her to always own the room. She was one of a kind.”
A Legacy of Acting Roots
Born in Los Angeles on January 29, 1957, Delano discovered her passion for acting at an early age. She began performing at just 6 years old and later graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West, where she honed her craft.
Her cousin, Rick Sparks, reflected on her legacy and the family’s deep connection to the entertainment industry. “Our grandfather, Myrtland Vivian LaVarre, was a New York stage actor convinced by Cecil B. DeMille to change his name to ‘John Merton’ and move the family to Hollywood. Diane grew up surrounded by the magic of studios, often visiting sets with her Uncle Lane Bradford. Although it was in her DNA, I believe those early studio visits cemented Diane’s love for a life within the industry.”
Remembering Diane Delano
Diane Delano leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on those who worked with her. From television and film to animation and video games, her versatility and commanding presence set her apart in an industry where few manage to make such an impression.
Her bold spirit, contagious humor, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by fans, friends, and colleagues alike.