Patrick Muldoon, the celebrated actor renowned for his performances in the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives and the cult science fiction film Starship Troopers, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57. The sad news was first confirmed by the entertainment industry publication Deadline, which reported that Muldoon died on Sunday, 19 April 2026, after suffering a heart attack.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon embarked on his acting journey while still attending college, making his initial television appearances in 1990 with two episodes of the popular sitcom Who's the Boss? The following year, he secured a three-episode role on the beloved high school series Saved By the Bell, portraying the manager of The Max, a favourite student hangout.
Muldoon's major breakthrough arrived in 1992 when he landed a regular part on the NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. He portrayed Austin Reed, a boxer who becomes romantically involved with Carrie Brady, played by Christie Clark. Muldoon remained in this role from 1992 until 1995, when the character was taken over by Austin Peck. He briefly returned to Days of Our Lives in 2011 but was written out of the series the next year, later expressing on social media that the show "will always be home."
Villainous Turn on Melrose Place and Sci-Fi Success
From 1995 to 1996, Muldoon took on a recurring villainous role on the Fox primetime soap Melrose Place. He played Richard Hart, a sadistic designer whose violent assault on Jane Andrews, portrayed by Josie Bissett, ultimately led to his character's death in a police shootout.
In 1997, Muldoon starred in one of his most notable projects, Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi action film Starship Troopers. He played a romantic rival to the lead character, portrayed by Casper Van Dien. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since been re-evaluated and gained recognition as a satirical modern classic.
Later Career and Personal Life
Muldoon continued to work extensively in the science fiction genre throughout his career, telling the website Shock Ya! in 2012 that he had always been a comic book fan and loved such roles since childhood. He also served as an executive producer on several films, including The Tribes of Palos Verdes, Arkansas, Marlowe, The Card Counter, and the upcoming Chris Hemsworth project Kockroach, which is currently in production.
Beyond acting and producing, Muldoon was a talented musician, performing as the lead vocalist for his band The Sleeping Masses. He is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, and his niece and nephew.
