Heartbreaking News! ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Patrick Muldoon Dies at 57 😢
Patrick Muldoon, known to many fans of Days of Our Lives, passed away suddenly on April 19, 2026. He was 57 years old and reportedly suffered a heart attack. The entertainment world quickly began mourning his loss. For soap fans, Muldoon was best known as the original Austin Reed. He first took on the role in 1992. His version of Austin became instantly popular. Viewers especially loved his pairing with Carrie Brady. His charm and leading-man looks made him a standout star. Many remembered him as one of the defining faces of early 1990s daytime television.
Muldoon played Austin Reed from 1992 until 1995. He later returned to the role for another run from 2011 to 2012. Beyond daytime drama, he built a strong television and film career. He played the villain Richard Hart on Melrose Place. That role showed a darker and more dangerous side of his talent. He also appeared on Saved by the Bell and Who’s the Boss?. Sci-fi fans especially remembered him from Starship Troopers in 1997. In that cult classic, he played the arrogant Xander Barcalow. His performance helped make the film memorable for many viewers. He continued acting steadily for years afterward.
In later years, Muldoon expanded his career behind the camera. He worked as an executive producer on several notable films. Those projects included Arkansas, The Card Counter, Marlowe, and the upcoming thriller Cockroach. He also had one final acting project waiting for release. That movie was the crime thriller Dirty Hands, expected later in 2026. Friends described him as generous, fun-loving, and full of energy. Many said he was the life of every gathering. Tributes praised his kindness as much as his professional success. Colleagues remembered a man who made people feel welcomed and valued. Social media quickly filled with messages celebrating his life.
Born William Patrick Muldoon III in San Pedro, California, he had many talents outside acting. Before Hollywood, he was a linebacker for the USC Trojans and earned two Rose Bowl rings. He was also a musician and sang for the band The Sleeping Masses. He practiced Krav Maga and enjoyed poetry and painting. Family members affectionately called him Boowbo. He is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart and his close family. Fans revisited classic Austin Reed scenes and Starship Troopers moments after the news broke. His sudden death reminded many how fragile life can be. Patrick Muldoon leaves behind a legacy connecting soaps, film, sports, and music. Those who knew him said the camera loved him, but people loved him even more.
