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Hollywood is reeling after the sudden death of actor Patrick Muldoon, who was 57. The performer best known for roles on Days of Our Lives and Melrose Place passed away on April 19, according to his management.
What happened the morning he died: timeline and reports
Sources say Muldoon was at his Beverly Hills home the morning of April 19. He had shared coffee with his girlfriend, Miriam Rothbart, then went to take a shower.
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His sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, recounted that Rothbart later found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. Emergency crews were called, but medical teams were unable to resuscitate him.
While his manager confirmed the death to Variety, TMZ reported the likely cause as a heart attack.
Career path: from sitcom guest spots to soap opera stardom and film
Muldoon built a career across TV and film, moving between teen dramas and big-screen action.
- Early TV work: Guest roles on sitcoms such as Who’s the Boss? and Saved by the Bell put him on the radar.
- Breakthrough soap role: He became widely known in the 1990s as Austin on Days of Our Lives, a role he originally left in 1995 and briefly revisited in 2011.
- Primetime drama: He played the antagonist Richard Hart on Melrose Place from 1995 to 1996.
- Film credits: Muldoon co-starred in Starship Troopers alongside Denise Richards and Casper Van Dien.
Projects he was linked to before his death
- His latest movie, Dirty Hands, was scheduled for release later this year.
- Days before he died, Muldoon teased involvement in Kockroach, a production directed by Matt Ross. He mentioned the film was shooting in Australia and named cast members like Chris Hemsworth, Taron Egerton, Zazie Beetz, and Alec Baldwin.
- In 2025 he made a TV appearance reconnecting with ex-girlfriend Denise Richards on Bravo’s Denise Richards & Her Wild Things.
Words from colleagues and the industry
Colleagues and friends flooded social media with memories and condolences.
- Alison Sweeney, who worked with Muldoon on Days of Our Lives, called the news “heartbreaking.” She praised his talent, kindness, and the easy support he offered younger castmates.
- Child actor Jake Getman remembered working with Muldoon on the film Little Dead Rotting Hood, saying Muldoon kept the mood light and was a generous presence on set.
- His team described him as a warm, creative spirit who loved people and animals, embraced life with flair, and made others feel safe and seen.
Family, survivors and personal life
Muldoon is survived by close family and his partner.
- His girlfriend, Miriam Rothbart.
- Sister Shana Muldoon-Zappa, who has spoken to media about the morning events.
- Parents Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr..
- Brother-in-law Ahmet Zappa, niece Halo, and nephew Arrow.
His public image and how fans remember him
Across fan pages and industry accounts, Muldoon is recalled as a magnetic screen presence.
Many highlighted his charm and humor, and the ease he brought to veteran sets and rookie actors alike. Social posts emphasized his affection for animals and his knack for heartfelt interactions.
Fans and former co-stars noted that he combined a classic leading-man look with a genuine down-to-earth personality.
Ongoing coverage and what to expect next
Representatives and outlets will likely release more details as family and authorities finalize information. Film and TV projects tied to Muldoon, including the scheduled release of Dirty Hands, may issue statements or dedications as a mark of respect.
Tributes from former castmates, crew, and fans will continue to appear across social platforms as the entertainment community processes his sudden loss.
