Patrick Muldoon died suddenly on April 19 at age 57 following a heart attack, ending a career that spanned daytime drama, primetime soap, and cult cinema.
The actor, best known for originating the role of Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives — which he played from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2011 to 2012 — passed away on Sunday morning, according to Deadline. His death came just weeks after he attended the 2026 Saturn Awards, where he was seen in public for one of his final appearances.
Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon graduated from USC, where he played football for the Trojans. He began acting while still in college with a two-episode arc on Who’s the Boss?, followed by a recurring role on Saved By the Bell shortly after graduation. His portrayal of the villainous Richard Hart on Melrose Place from Seasons 3 to 5 cemented his presence in 1990s primetime, while his turn as Zander Barcalow in Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers (1997) introduced him to a global audience.
Beyond acting, Muldoon built a respected career as a producer, executive producing films such as The Tribes of Palos Verdes, Marlowe, The Card Counter, and most recently, Kockroach — which is currently filming and stars Chris Hemsworth, Taron Egerton, and Zazie Beetz. His upcoming crime thriller Dirty Hands is slated for release later this year.
Those close to him described Muldoon as endlessly generous — with his poetry, humor, and unmistakable presence. Friends said he loved animals and people alike, gave unforgettable hugs, and made others perceive safe and seen. They remembered him as stylish, charismatic, and full of life, embracing each day with a full-tilt, rock ’n’ roll spirit. He was often seen with his guitar and served as lead singer for the band The Sleeping Masses.
Known affectionately as “Bobo” to his loved ones, Muldoon is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart; his parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, his niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
What was Patrick Muldoon’s most iconic role?
Patrick Muldoon is best known for originating the role of Austin Reed on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives, a part he played from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2011 to 2012.
Did Patrick Muldoon have any upcoming projects at the time of his death?
Yes, Muldoon’s latest film, the crime thriller Dirty Hands, is slated for release later this year, and he was actively executive producing Kockroach, which is currently filming.