Denise Richards Pays Tribute to Patrick Muldoon Following His Death at 57

Actress Denise Richards has shared a personal and emotional tribute to longtime friend and former partner Patrick Muldoon, who died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57 after suffering a heart attack. The two actors, whose relationship spanned decades both professionally and personally, first met early in their careers and remained close even after their romantic relationship ended.

Richards posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday following news of Muldoon’s death, describing the loss as deeply painful. She reflected on their shared history, which began when they were both young actors; she was 19 and had not yet landed her first acting job, while Muldoon, then 21, was studying at the University of Southern California and already appearing in a recurring role on the sitcom Who’s the Boss?. Over the following decades, the two maintained a close bond that Richards described as central to her adult life.

The pair later worked together on the 1997 science fiction film Starship Troopers, where they began a romantic relationship that lasted nearly five years. After their breakup, they remained friends and continued to support each other’s careers. In her tribute, Richards emphasized the enduring nature of their connection, calling Muldoon her “best friend” and “family.”

Accompanying her message was a video montage documenting their relationship over the years, including footage from their time together in the 1990s as well as more recent moments. The video was set to the song “Everything I Own” by Bread. Richards described their relationship as defined by “friendship, love, support, respect, and loyalty,” noting that those qualities remained constant throughout their lives.

She also recalled Muldoon’s personality and presence, writing that he “lit up every room” and describing him as “larger than life.” Richards referred to him as an “underrated actor” and credited him as a steady source of support, particularly during challenging periods. She said he had been a “voice of reason” and a “pillar of strength,” underscoring the role he played in her personal life beyond their professional collaborations.

In her message, Richards used a nickname the two had shared since working together, referencing private conversations in which they imagined growing old together. She expressed difficulty coping with his absence and said she would look for signs of his presence moving forward.

Muldoon built a career across television and film, gaining recognition for his role as Austin Reed on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, where he appeared from 1992 to 1995 and returned from 2011 to 2012. He also played Richard Hart on Melrose Place for three seasons during the mid-1990s. In addition to his work in television, Muldoon appeared in several films and continued acting throughout his career.

His most recent project, the crime thriller Dirty Hands, co-starring Richards and Michael Beach, is scheduled for release on April 24.

In a 2012 interview, Muldoon reflected on his approach to acting, describing it as a process tied closely to personal introspection. He explained that he often viewed roles as opportunities to explore aspects of his own life, suggesting that the challenges faced by his characters mirrored questions he needed to examine personally.

Richards’ tribute highlights not only Muldoon’s professional legacy but also the personal relationships that shaped his life. Her remarks provide insight into a decades-long friendship that endured beyond their time as a couple, marking his passing as a significant loss both within the entertainment industry and among those who knew him closely.