Actor Patrick Muldoon, known for roles in ‘Days of Our Lives,’ ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘Starship Troopers,’ has died at the age of 57, according to multiple reports. His representative confirmed the news to various outlets, stating he died suddenly following a heart attack on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Muldoon began his career in the early 1990s, originating the role of Austin Reed on the NBC daytime drama ‘Days of Our Lives.’ He portrayed the character from 1992 to 1995 and later reprised the role in 2011 and 2012. His performance as the troubled boxer with a complex romantic storyline involving Carrie Brady and her sister Sami Brady became a memorable part of the show’s history. In the mid-1990s, Muldoon joined the cast of the Fox primetime soap opera ‘Melrose Place,’ where he played Richard Hart, a designer and husband of Mackenzie Hart. His character became known for a darker storyline involving an affair with Jane Andrews and subsequent physical and sexual assault, which led to a revenge plot by Jane and her sister. Beyond television, Muldoon gained wider recognition for his role as Zander Barcalow in the 1997 science fiction film ‘Starship Troopers,’ directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film, based on Robert Heinlein’s novel, developed a cult following over the years. Throughout his career, Muldoon appeared in numerous television movies and guest roles, including recurring appearances on ‘Saved by the Bell’ as Jeffrey Hunter, the manager of The Max who dated Kelly Kapowski. He also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer on several films, including ‘The Tribes of Palos Verdes,’ ‘Arkansas,’ ‘Marlowe,’ ‘The Card Counter,’ ‘The Dreadful,’ ‘Riff Raff,’ and ‘Kockroach,’ which was in production at the time of his death. A musician as well as an actor, Muldoon was the lead singer for the band The Sleeping Masses and often performed with his guitar. Friends and colleagues described him as endlessly generous, kind-hearted, and someone who made others feel safe and seen. Actress Allison Sweeney, who co-starred with him on ‘Days of Our Lives,’ shared that he made her feel at ease when she first joined the show and praised his talent, humor, and warmth. The daytime drama ‘Days of Our Lives’ paid tribute to Muldoon on its official Instagram account, stating, “The Days of our Lives family is saddened by the news of Patrick’s untimely passing.” The post added, “As the original ‘Austin Reed,’ he left an indelible mark in Salem both personally and professionally. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and he will be missed by all of us.” Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon attended the University of Southern California, where he played football for the Trojans and earned two Rose Bowl rings. He began his professional journey as a model for Wilhelmina, appearing in Calvin Klein advertisements before transitioning to acting. His representative confirmed to ABC News that he died after a heart attack on Sunday morning. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of remembrances from fans and fellow performers across social media, highlighting his impact on television and film during the 1990s and beyond.
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