Hank Northrop on “Boatlift 9/11”, Acting, and the Power of Human Connection

This article is from our Fall 2026 issue of MNITF Magazine. Read the full issue here.

Photo by Paul Gregory

The actor discusses Boatlift 9/11, following in his father’s footsteps, and the responsibility of bringing true stories to life.

Whether portraying beloved characters on television or bringing powerful true stories to life on the big screen, actor Hank Northrop believes storytelling has the power to inspire, heal, and unite.

Best known to many fans for his work on Days of Our Lives, Northrop now stars in Boatlift 9/11, a moving film that tells the remarkable true story of the largest maritime evacuation in history following the September 11 attacks.

As a partner on the film, MNITF is honored to share this conversation with Hank about his acting journey, the responsibility of telling real-life stories, and why compassion and human connection remain at the heart of every meaningful performance.

What first inspired you to pursue acting, and what has been the most rewarding part of your journey in the industry so far?

I’ve wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents are actors, and they’ve always been my heroes.

Growing up, I saw firsthand the impact they could have on people through storytelling. Whether it was making someone laugh, helping them feel seen, or inspiring them during a difficult time, I realized acting was about much more than entertainment.

The most rewarding part of my journey has been connecting with audiences and being part of stories that resonate with people in meaningful ways.

You’ve appeared in a variety of projects throughout your career. How do you decide which roles resonate with you personally and professionally?

For me, it always starts with the character and the story. I’m drawn to roles that feel authentic and human—characters who are flawed, complex, and have something meaningful to say.

Professionally, I look for projects that challenge me and allow me to grow as an actor. Personally, I want to be part of stories that leave an impact, whether they’re entertaining, inspiring, or encouraging people to see the world from a different perspective.

Let’s talk about your role on Days of Our Lives. What has that role meant to you, and how has the soap opera community shaped you as an actor and as a person?

Being part of Days of Our Lives has been an absolute dream come true! My dad was the original Roman Brady on the show, so being able to follow in his footsteps has meant the world to me.

Soap operas move at a unique pace, and they demand a tremendous amount of preparation, focus, and adaptability. I’ve learned so much as an actor from that environment. Beyond the work itself, the soap opera community is unlike any other. The fans are incredibly loyal and passionate, and the people who create these shows genuinely care about the stories they’re telling.

It’s taught me the value of consistency, professionalism, and building lasting connections with an audience. I’m just doing my best to make my dad proud!

What drew you to become involved with the film Boatlift 9/11, and what made this story particularly meaningful to tell?

What attracted me to Boatlift 9/11 was the extraordinary humanity at the center of the story. In the midst of a national tragedy, ordinary people stepped up to help complete strangers.

It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, compassion and selflessness can bring people together. Those are the kinds of stories I love being a part of because they highlight the very best qualities of the human spirit.

How did portraying such emotionally charged events impact you as an actor?

It wasn’t easy. Working on a story like this forces you to approach the material with a great deal of respect and empathy. As actors, we’re tasked with honoring real experiences and real emotions.

It challenged me to listen more deeply, understand the human side of these events, and focus on truth rather than performance. It was a powerful reminder that acting can be a way of preserving important stories and helping audiences connect with them on an emotional level.

Organizations like MNITF work to raise awareness about kidney disease and the importance of organ donation. Why do you think storytelling and the arts can be effective tools for increasing awareness about health-related issues?

Facts and statistics are important, but stories help people connect emotionally. When audiences see someone’s journey, struggles, and triumphs, those issues become personal rather than abstract. Storytelling creates empathy, and empathy often inspires action. Stories can open hearts in a way that information alone sometimes cannot.

What message would you want audiences to take away about the power of human connection during difficult times?

I would want people to know that no one has to face those challenges alone. One of the most powerful things we can do for each other is simply show up—with compassion, support, and understanding. Human connection can provide strength when people need it most. Even in the most difficult circumstances, hope often comes from the relationships we build and the willingness of others to help carry us through.

“As an actor, I hope to continue being part of work that not only entertains but also inspires conversation, encourages understanding, and helps people see themselves, and each other, in a more meaningful way.”

— Hank Northrop

• See Hank Northrop in Boatlift 9/11 streaming on exclusively on PureFlix between September 8 – 10, 2026!

• Want more info on Boatlift 9/11? Watch the trailer and EPK here.

• Check out MNITF Magazine’s fall issue with Hank Northrop on the cover. Read it here!

• Watch Hank’s PSA for MNITF here.