Hollywood actor Patrick Muldoon dies suddenly at 57 as family confirms news

Olivia Gantzer
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:10:48 +0000

Patrick Muldoon, the American actor and producer recognised for his performances in the daytime soap Days of Our Lives, the primetime drama Melrose Place and Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi film Starship Troopers, has died at the age of 57.

The star passed away on Sunday morning following a heart attack, his family confirmed.

Mr Muldoon created the character of Austin Reed in Days of Our Lives, a role he inhabited from 1992 to 1995 before reprising it between 2011 and 2012.

He also appeared as the antagonist Richard Hart across three seasons of Melrose Place.

On the cinema screen, he portrayed Zander Barcalow in the 1997 cult classic Starship Troopers.

His final film, the crime thriller Dirty Hands, is scheduled for release later this year.

Mr Muldoon was born in San Pedro, California, and went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he also played for the Trojans football team.

His journey into acting began whilst he was still an undergraduate, securing a two-episode appearance on the sitcom Who's the Boss.

Following his graduation in 1991, he quickly obtained a recurring part in Saved By The Bell, playing the character Jeff across three episodes.

The role saw him appear alongside the show's main cast including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond and Tiffani-Amber Thiessen.

It was the following year that Mr Muldoon landed what would become one of his most significant parts, portraying boxer Austin Reed in Days of Our Lives, the brother of Lisa Rinna's character Billie Reed.

Beyond his television work, Mr Muldoon carved out a notable career in film production, serving as executive producer on several features including The Tribes of Palos Verdes, Arkansas, Marlowe and The Card Counter.

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His most recent producing project, Kockroach, is currently in production.

His portrayal of the villainous Richard Hart in Melrose Place ran from the third to fifth seasons of the popular primetime soap, establishing him as a recognisable face in American television drama during the mid-1990s.

Mr Muldoon harboured a deep passion for music and frequently performed with his guitar, serving as lead singer for the band The Sleeping Masses.

Those who knew him described the actor, affectionately called "Bobo" by loved ones, as "endlessly generous — with his poetry, his humor, and his unmistakable presence."

RIP Patrick Muldoon, Actor/Singer/College Football Tight End
Starship Troopers, Days of Our Lives, Melrose Place, Saved by the Bell, Arkansas, Comeback Trail, Stigmata, Bernie the Dolphin, Who's The Boss?
The Sleeping Masses: "The Woman is the Way"
USC Trojans#InMemoriam #RIP pic.twitter.com/EVXyZ7r8QC
— LegacyTributes (@InMemoriamX) April 20, 2026

Friends said he "loved animals and people alike, gave unforgettable hugs, and possessed a rare quality of making others feel safe and seen."

They added: "Stylish, charismatic, and full of life, he embraced each day with a full-tilt, rock 'n' roll spirit."

Mr Muldoon is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart, his parents Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr., his sister Shana and her husband Ahmet Zappa, along with their children, his niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.