Diane Delano, a renowned character actress best known for her iconic role as Officer Barbara Semanski in the Emmy Award-winning show “Northern Exposure,” passed away on December 13, 2024. She was at her residence in Los Angeles, California at the time of her death and was 67 years old.
Her death was due to cancer, as confirmed by fellow actor and friend Stepfanie Kramer. “She was big and bold and brought her sharp wit and perfect comic timing to every role,” said Kramer. “Her earthy and raucous presence enabled her always to own the room. She was one of a kind.”
Dennis Sevier, Delano’s agent, confirmed the news of her death, stating that the actress was “full of life and loved being an actor” and “will be missed.”
Delano, a Los Angeles native, started her acting journey at the age of six. She later graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West. Her family has deep roots in the entertainment industry, with her grandfather being a stage actor in New York who later brought the family to Hollywood. Her cousin, Rick Sparks, mentioned that Delano’s early exposure to the industry “cemented her love for a life within” it.
Over her career spanning four decades, Delano has over 130 acting credits to her name. She made her television debut in 1983 with a role as a nurse in the medical drama “St. Elsewhere.” She then landed recurring roles in several television series, including “L.A. Law,” “Popular,” “Growing Pains,” and “Days of Our Lives.”
Delano’s filmography includes roles in “The Wicker Man,” “Miracle Mile,” and “A Mighty Wind.” In recent years, she ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to animated series like “Teen Titans,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” and video games such as “Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.”
Delano’s contributions to the film industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, she won an Indie Series Award for her supporting role in the TV movie “Fumbling Thru the Pieces.” She also shared the 2019 Los Angeles Film Award for best ensemble for her role in the coming-of-age drama “Relish.”
In 2024, Delano was seen in three films: “Road to Dreamland,” “Final Heist,” and the bluegrass musical comedy “Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints.”
