‘She will be missed’: Film and television actress Diane Delano dead at 67

An actress who starred in the hit 90s TV show Northern Exposure and alongside Tom Hanks in a 2004 film has died aged 67.

Actress Diane Delano, best known for her roles in Northern Exposure and The Wicker Man, has died. She was 67.

Delano’s friend Stepfanie Kramer confirmed the news to Deadline. Delano reportedly died of cancer at her home in California.

“She was big and bold and brought her sharp wit and perfect comic timing to every role,” Kramer said in a statement. “Her earthy and raucous presence enabled her to always own the room. She was one of a kind.”

Delano starred in several episodes of the comedic drama Northern Exposure, set in a remote Alaskan town. The Los Angeles native played Officer Barbara Semanski, a state trooper and love interest to Barry Corbin’s Maurice Minnifield.

Diane Delano (right) played Officer Barbara Semanski in Northern Exposure.

She continued her career in television, later starring in several episodes of Ryan Murphy’s WB series Popular from 1999 to 2001, followed by roles in Ellen, ER and Days of Our Lives.

She also played a role in the 2004 Tom Hanks comedy The Ladykillers, alongside J.K. Simmons and Marlon Wayans.

Delano also did voice acting throughout her career on several animated series, including Rocket Power, The Angry Beavers, American Dad! and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Delano at the premiere of her 2004 film The Ladykillers. Picture: Getty

“She loved being an actor … she will be missed.” Picture: Getty

Her more recent roles included a small role in the 2022 comedy Me Time starring Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart, the 2024 thriller Final Heist, and the Netflix comedy The Upshaws.

Her last credited role was in the musical comedy Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints, which released earlier this year.

The actress received the Indie Series Award in 2021 for her supporting role in Fumbling Thru The Pieces.

She later took home the Los Angeles Film Award for best ensemble for Relish.

Delano’s rep Denny Sevier remembered the actress in a statement to People, saying, “When Diane entered any room you knew she was there! She was full of life and loved being an actor. She will be missed.”

This story originally appeared on Decider and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as ‘She will be missed’: Film and television actress Diane Delano dead at 67