Patrick Muldoon, the versatile actor known for his roles on *Days of Our Lives* and *Melrose Place* as well as the cult sci-fi film *Starship Troopers*, has died suddenly at age 57.
According to reports, Muldoon suffered a fatal heart attack at his Beverly Hills home. His sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, said the day had started normally: he was having coffee with his girlfriend before going to take a shower. When he didn’t return, she grew concerned. He was later found unconscious on the bathroom floor. Despite efforts from emergency responders, he could not be revived.
Muldoon first gained widespread recognition playing Austin Reed on *Days of Our Lives* in the early 1990s, a role he later reprised. He brought both sincerity and emotional depth to the daytime drama, helping define an era of the show. Reflecting on his return, he once said, "It was like going to high school… The same people are there, the people I really enjoyed in the ’90s I still enjoy working with today.”
He then showcased a different side of his talent on *Melrose Place* as the antagonistic Richard Hart, proving his range beyond the romantic lead. On the big screen, he earned a lasting cult following as Zander Barcalow in *Starship Troopers*. A lifelong fan of science fiction and comics, Muldoon said of the film, "I’ve always been a comic book fan… I’ve always loved that science fiction stuff even as a kid.”
His career stretched across decades, with early guest spots on *Who’s the Boss?* and *Saved by the Bell*, and later appearances in films such as *Vanquish* and *Marlowe*. Behind the camera, Muldoon expanded his creative work as a producer through his company, Storyboard Productions, and was developing projects including *Kockroach*, which had attached notable talent.
At the time of his death, he remained active in the industry. His final film, *Dirty Hands*, is expected for release later this year.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; his parents; and his sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, and her family.
For audiences, his legacy lies not in one signature role but in a steady, adaptable presence across television and film—a career marked by quiet versatility. His sudden passing is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, but his body of work continues to resonate with those who followed him from daytime dramas to the big screen and beyond.
