Patrick Muldoon, soap opera star and sci-fi favorite, dies at 57
The actor known for roles in Days of Our Lives, Melrose Place, and Starship Troopers reportedly suffered a sudden heart attack at his home.
Patrick Muldoon, a familiar face to television audiences in the 1990s and a cult favorite among science fiction fans, has died at the age of 57 following a reported heart attack, marking the sudden loss of a steady and versatile Hollywood presence.
Muldoon’s death was first reported by TMZ, which cited family members who said the actor collapsed at his Beverly Hills home. According to the account, he had been spending a quiet morning with his partner before stepping away, prompting concern when he did not return. He was later found unresponsive, and emergency responders were unable to revive him.
His passing has sent ripples through both daytime television circles and longtime fans of 1990s primetime dramas, where Muldoon built much of his career.
Muldoon rose to prominence playing Austin Reed on the long-running NBC soap Days of Our Lives, a role he first took on in the early 1990s. His portrayal of the earnest romantic lead quickly made him a household name and a staple of daytime TV. He later reprised the role nearly two decades later, reflecting the enduring popularity of both the character and the series.
He also gained attention in primetime as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, where he played a more antagonistic role, showcasing his range as an actor.
Beyond television, Muldoon found a loyal fanbase through his role as Zander Barcalow in Starship Troopers, a film that has since achieved cult status. The movie, directed by Paul Verhoeven, remains a touchstone in science fiction cinema, blending action with political satire.
Muldoon’s career began modestly, including early appearances in shows like Who’s the Boss? and Saved by the Bell. Over time, he built a steady résumé that spanned decades, with roles in independent films and television projects well into the 2010s.
In addition to acting, Muldoon expanded into production, developing projects through his company Storyboard Productions. According to industry databases such as IMDb, he remained active in film development, with several projects in progress at the time of his death. His continued work reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where actors increasingly move behind the camera to shape their own creative output.
Health experts note that sudden cardiac events remain a leading cause of death worldwide. The American Heart Association reports that heart disease accounts for roughly one in every five deaths in the United States, underscoring how quickly such incidents can occur even without widely known prior conditions.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart, as well as his parents and sister. His final film project is expected to be released posthumously later this year.
For many fans, Muldoon’s legacy will be tied to a specific era of television, when soap operas and ensemble dramas dominated daily viewing. Yet his career also reflects a broader adaptability, moving between genres and formats as the entertainment industry evolved.
His death is a reminder of both the fleeting nature of life and the lasting impact of familiar faces who, for years, become part of audiences’ daily routines.
