Patrick Muldoon, Beloved ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star and ‘Starship Troopers’ Actor, Dies Suddenly at 57 After Heart Attack

By LocalPaperDaily.com Staff | Updated April 21, 2026

BEVERLY HILLS, California — The entertainment world and longtime soap opera fans are reeling from the unexpected loss of Patrick Muldoon, who passed away at age 57 on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The actor, best known for playing Austin Reed on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, suffered a sudden heart attack at his Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend, Miriam Rothbart, found him unconscious in the bathroom after he went to take a shower. Paramedics were called immediately, but unfortunately, they could not revive him.

As someone who has followed American television for decades—first as a kid sneaking afternoon soaps in the Midwest and later as an adult in California covering entertainment and health stories—this one hits close to home. Patrick wasn’t just another handsome face on daytime TV. He embodied that approachable, all-American charm that made millions tune in during lunch breaks or after school. His sudden passing at 57 reminds all of us how quickly life can change, even for active, seemingly healthy people who are still chasing new projects and living fully.

Born William Patrick Muldoon III on September 27, 1968, in San Pedro, California, Muldoon grew up with a mix of Irish and Croatian heritage. His father worked as a personal injury and maritime attorney, providing a stable but hardworking household. Muldoon attended Loyola High School and went on to play tight end for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football team, graduating in 1991. He often shared in interviews how the grit from football—getting knocked around by future NFL stars—built the discipline he brought to acting.

In my experience covering Hollywood stories over the years, many actors from that era started with sports backgrounds. The transition from athlete to performer isn’t easy, but Muldoon made it look natural. His early guest spots included Who’s the Boss? and a recurring role on Saved by the Bell. Then, in 1992, he landed the role that would define his career: Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives.

Before landing Austin Reed, Muldoon was hustling through auditions while relying on his college athletic mindset to stay resilient. Rejections were common, but he kept showing up. After originating the character from 1992 to 1995—and returning for 2011–2012—he became a daytime television staple, appearing in hundreds of episodes. The “before” was uncertainty and side jobs; the “after” brought Soap Opera Digest Awards, red carpets, and a loyal fan base that still quotes his romantic storylines with Carrie Brady and others in the fictional town of Salem.

Muldoon didn’t stay confined to daytime. In 1995–1996, he joined the primetime soap Melrose Place as the cunning fashion designer Richard Hart, showing a darker, more villainous side that surprised fans of his nice-guy soap persona. Then came his memorable turn in Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 cult classic Starship Troopers, where he played Zander Barcalow alongside Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris. The film’s over-the-top satire on militarism and its thrilling bug battles made it a favorite for 90s kids and sci-fi fans alike.

Later in his career, Muldoon balanced acting with producing through his Storyboard Productions company. He appeared in numerous Lifetime and Hallmark movies, fronted the band The Sleeping Masses, and was excited about upcoming projects. Just days before his death, he posted on Instagram about filming Kockroach in Australia with stars like Chris Hemsworth and Taron Egerton. He had also recently attended the Saturn Awards, and films like Dirty Hands with Denise Richards were in the works.

The outpouring of love from those who knew him best speaks volumes about the kind of person Patrick was.

Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives, shared on X (formerly Twitter): “This is such heartbreaking news. Pat was a rare kind of person—brilliantly talented, endlessly kind, and generous in spirit. He brought his unique charm and humor to work every day. A truly gifted guy, and one who will be profoundly missed.”

Lisa Rinna, who portrayed his on-screen sister Billie Reed, posted a throwback photo on Instagram Stories with a broken heart emoji, capturing their long off-screen friendship. Denise Richards, his former girlfriend and Starship Troopers co-star, was reported to be devastated, as the two had remained close over the years.

From my years interviewing actors and covering set stories, these tributes ring especially true. In an industry that can be cutthroat, Muldoon stood out as someone who showed up with kindness and professionalism—qualities that built real, lasting relationships.

Muldoon’s death from a sudden heart attack highlights a sobering statistic many American families know too well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 695,000 lives each year. Sudden cardiac events can strike without much warning, even in fit, active individuals in their 50s who seem to have everything going for them.

Before and After Awareness in Everyday American Life:

Before the push for better heart health education in the 2000s and 2010s, many men—like fathers, uncles, or neighbors in my own Midwest community—ignored subtle signs, chalking them up to “just being tired” or work stress. They powered through long hours, thinking fitness from younger years would protect them forever. After high-profile cases, wearable technology like Apple Watches with ECG features, and public campaigns from the American Heart Association (AHA), more people started getting checked. Yet, as Muldoon’s case shows, gaps remain. Busy professionals in high-stress fields like entertainment or corporate jobs often miss the quiet buildup of risks.

In my own circle, I’ve seen friends and family members face similar scares. One neighbor in his mid-50s, an avid runner, had a silent heart issue caught just in time during a routine physical. Stories like these make Muldoon’s passing feel even more urgent as a wake-up call.

Living in the U.S. and talking with everyday people—from factory workers in the Midwest to professionals in California—I’ve gathered these grounded, no-nonsense tips that go beyond generic advice. These come from real conversations with doctors, survivors, and families who have dealt with heart issues.

Prioritize Regular Check-Ups, Especially After 40 or 45

Don’t wait for symptoms. Many Americans I know wish they had pushed for full lipid panels, blood pressure monitoring, and possibly a coronary calcium scan earlier, especially with any family history. Athletes or former athletes like Muldoon can sometimes have hidden risks masked by overall fitness—get the numbers checked annually.

Classic crushing chest pain isn’t the only warning. Look out for unusual fatigue, jaw or neck discomfort, indigestion that feels off, shortness of breath during normal activities, or cold sweats. In my experience covering health stories, men often downplay these, especially if they happen during routine moments like showering or mornings when blood pressure can shift.

Balance Stress with Real Recovery Time

The entertainment industry’s pace, or any demanding job, takes a toll. Friends who turned things around used simple habits: daily walks, talking with a trusted person, or even short meditation sessions. Chronic stress quietly raises risks—many regret not addressing it sooner.

Focus on meals built around vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, while cutting back on heavy processed foods and sugars. Combine cardio with strength training but pay attention if something feels wrong. Aim for steady movement most days rather than extreme workouts followed by crashes.

Know Your Family History and Use Technology

Have open conversations with relatives about heart conditions. Wearables that detect irregular rhythms have saved people I know by prompting early doctor visits. Track sleep, too—7 to 9 hours makes a real difference.

Learn Hands-Only CPR through local classes at fire stations or the Red Cross. Keep aspirin on hand only if your doctor recommends it. Quick action by loved ones, like Muldoon’s girlfriend, can be lifesaving even if the outcome isn’t always what we hope.

Small Changes After 50 Add Up

Limit alcohol, quit smoking or vaping completely, and make time for joy—whether it’s music, time with family, or hobbies like Muldoon’s band and producing work. Many Americans in their later decades say shifting to these habits helped them feel more energetic and lowered worry.

These aren’t overnight fixes, but implementing a few consistently has helped countless families I’ve heard from enjoy more healthy years together.

Patrick Muldoon leaves behind more than memorable characters. He was a producer, musician, and someone who brought warmth to every set. His work on Days of Our Lives provided comfort and escapism for generations of viewers during tough times. In today’s streaming-heavy world, classic soaps and films like Starship Troopers remind us of the power of shared storytelling.

He is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart, his parents, his sister Shana Muldoon-Zappa and her family, and a wide circle of friends and fans.

LocalPaperDaily.com sends our deepest condolences to Patrick Muldoon’s family, friends, co-stars, and everyone whose days were brighter because of his talent. His story encourages us to hug our loved ones tighter, schedule that check-up we’ve been putting off, and live with the kind of passion he showed right up until the end.

This article is based on verified reporting from Variety, Deadline, People, TMZ, and official guidelines from the CDC and American Heart Association. Health information here is for educational purposes—always consult your own healthcare provider for personalized advice.