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Tags: patrick muldoon | days of our lives | actor | dead | melrose place | heart attack

Patrick Muldoon, 'Days of Our Lives', 'Melrose Place' Actor, Dies at 57

By    |   Monday, 20 April 2026 11:39 AM EDT

Patrick Muldoon, a versatile performer known for his work in daytime drama and big-screen sci-fi, died Sunday at age 57.

Muldoon suffered a sudden heart attack, ending a career that spanned over three decades, Deadline reported.

The actor's death comes just as he was preparing for the debut of several high-profile projects, including the crime thriller "Dirty Hands," which is scheduled for a digital release on April 24.

According to a report by People, Muldoon had been focused on his work as a producer up until his death.

Just two days ago, he shared an update on Instagram regarding the new film "Kockroach," which he was executive producing.

"So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz and Alec Baldwin," Muldoon wrote in the caption, noting that the movie is "filming now in Australia 🇦🇺."

This production was the latest in a long string of executive producing credits for Muldoon, whose behind-the-scenes work included "The Card Counter", "Marlowe," "Arkansas," and "The Tribes of Palos Verdes," as well as "The Dreadful and Riff Raff."

Before establishing himself as a producer, Muldoon was a staple of 1990s television.

He is perhaps most widely remembered for originating the role of Austin Reed on "Days of Our Lives," a character he played from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2011 to 2012.

Prime-time viewers also knew him as the villainous Richard Hart on "Melrose Place" between Seasons 3 and 5.

On the big screen, he earned a cult following for his role as Zander Barcalow in Paul Verhoeven's 1997 film "Starship Troopers." His early career featured a recurring role on "Saved By the Bell" and guest spots on "Who's the Boss?" along with numerous television movies throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.

A native of San Pedro, California, Muldoon's path to the screen began at USC, where he played on the Trojans football team.

He graduated from the university in 1991. Outside of Hollywood, he was a dedicated musician, serving as the lead singer for the band The Sleeping Masses and frequently playing the guitar.

Those close to him remembered a man who was "endlessly generous — with his poetry, his humor, and his unmistakable presence."

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

They described him as "stylish, charismatic, and full of life," adding that he "embraced each day with a full-tilt, rock 'n' roll spirit."

Zoe Papadakis

Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.

© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


TheWire
Patrick Muldoon, a versatile performer known for his work in daytime drama and big-screen sci-fi, died Sunday at age 57.
patrick muldoon, days of our lives, actor, dead, melrose place, heart attack
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2026-39-20
Monday, 20 April 2026 11:39 AM
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