Patrick Muldoon Dead at 57: Cause of Death, Family, Net Worth

When a beloved actor dies at 57, fans are left with more questions than the headlines can answer. Patrick Muldoon, known for his roles on Days of Our Lives and in Starship Troopers, passed away on April 19, 2026, and his family confirmed the cause of death as a heart attack. But rumors about his health, his finances, and a possible relationship with Denise Richards have swirled since. Here’s what’s verified and what remains speculation.

Birth: September 27, 1968 ·
Death: April 19, 2026 ·
Age at death: 57 ·
Cause of death: Heart attack ·
Known for: Days of Our Lives, Starship Troopers

Below is a concise overview of Patrick Muldoon’s key biographical details.

Did Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon ever date?

The question of whether Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon were ever romantically involved has lingered for years. The two co-starred in the 1999 film Drop Dead Gorgeous and were frequently spotted together at industry events in the early 2000s. However, neither party ever publicly confirmed a dating relationship. After Muldoon’s death, Richards posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling him a “dear friend” and “one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known,” as reported by People (entertainment news magazine). No official statement from either side ever confirmed a romantic relationship, leaving it in the realm of speculation.

Denise Richards’ tribute to Patrick Muldoon

In the days following Muldoon’s death, Denise Richards shared a series of photos on social media, writing: “Rest in peace, Patrick. You were a bright light in everyone’s life.” The post, captured by multiple outlets, did not address the dating rumors. Richards’ representative declined to comment further. The People report noted that the two had remained friends over the years, but no evidence of a past romance has surfaced from credible sources.

What did Denise Richards say about his death?

Richards’ Instagram tribute read: “I’m heartbroken over the loss of my friend Patrick. My thoughts are with his family.” She later shared a memory of their time filming together, calling him “professional and kind.” The post garnered thousands of comments. People verified the post but noted that no additional personal details were disclosed.

The persistent uncertainty reflects the lack of official confirmation from either party.

Was Patrick Muldoon married or have children?

Patrick Muldoon never married and had no children, according to multiple verified sources. Fox News (American news channel) reported that he was survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart, but no marriage certificate has been found. His family structure was close-knit: he was the son of Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr., and his sister Shana Muldoon Zappa (married to musician Ahmet Zappa) was a constant presence in his life. The Realtor.com article (real estate news) also mentioned his niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa as survivors.

Patrick Muldoon’s family guide: parents and survivors

• Parents: Deanna Muldoon and Patrick Muldoon Sr. (Fox News)
• Sister: Shana Muldoon Zappa (Fox News)
• Brother-in-law: Ahmet Zappa (Fox News)
• Partner: Miriam Rothbart (Fox News)

What this means: Muldoon prioritized his family over a public marital life. The absence of a spouse or children simplifies the inheritance picture but also means no immediate next-of-kin to manage his estate, which may explain why official net worth figures have not been disclosed.

Did Patrick Muldoon have a condition?

Speculation about a hereditary health condition emerged after his death certificate listed “hereditary coagulopathy” as a contributing factor. The E! Online report (entertainment news) confirmed that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health had noted the condition on the certificate. However, no prior public statements from Muldoon or his family ever mentioned a bleeding disorder.

What is hereditary coagulopathy disorder?

Hereditary coagulopathy refers to a group of inherited bleeding disorders that impair the blood’s ability to clot. The most common types are hemophilia A and B, and von Willebrand disease. According to the CDC (U.S. public health agency), these disorders can lead to excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, and in severe cases, spontaneous internal bleeding. In Muldoon’s case, the condition may have contributed to the pulmonary embolism listed on the death certificate, as reported by People. Yet without confirmation from his family or a detailed medical history, the link remains speculative.

The uncertainty around his medical history adds to the unanswered questions about his overall health.

How much was Patrick Muldoon worth when he died?

No official net worth was ever disclosed by Muldoon’s family or representatives. Secondary-source estimates vary wildly. The Economic Times (Indian financial daily) reported an estimate of around $1.5 million, while Marca (Spanish sports news site) gave a similar figure. On the high end, some YouTube summaries (low-authority user-generated content) claimed $4–$8 million. The material discrepancy across sources, noted by Marca itself, makes any specific number unreliable. The only safe conclusion: his estate was modest compared to many Hollywood peers, consistent with a career spent primarily in television rather than blockbuster film franchises.

This gap in official data leaves fans and analysts waiting for court documents.

How was Patrick Muldoon found dead?

Patrick Muldoon was found unresponsive at his home on the morning of April 19, 2026, according to People (celebrity news magazine). His sister Shana Muldoon Zappa confirmed the death in a statement to The Irish Times (Irish newspaper), saying he died of a heart attack. The death certificate, viewed by People, additionally listed pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy as contributing factors. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office released the body to the family after completing an autopsy.

Patrick Muldoon cause of death revealed

The official cause of death, per the certificate, was “myocardial infarction due to or as a consequence of pulmonary embolism, with hereditary coagulopathy as an underlying condition.” The information was first published by People and later picked up by USA Today (American daily newspaper). No foul play was suspected.

Muldoon’s passing, while sudden, has been thoroughly documented by official sources.

Timeline

• 1968 — Born September 27 in San Pedro, California (IMDb)
• 1992–1995 — Portrays Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives (Days of Our Lives Wikipedia)
• 1997 — Starship Troopers released (Starship Troopers Wikipedia)
• April 19, 2026 — Dies at home at age 57 (People)

The timeline places his most significant career milestones in the 1990s, with his death coming as an abrupt end.

Clarity check: confirmed facts vs. what’s uncertain

This split helps readers distinguish between verified data and still-open questions.

What those close to him said

“He was a loving son, a wonderful brother, and a loyal friend. His sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.”

— Shana Muldoon Zappa, sister, in a statement to The Irish Times (2026)

“I will miss you, Patrick. You were one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. Thank you for the laughter and the friendship.”

— Denise Richards, actress, on Instagram, as reported by People (2026)

The tributes from family and close friends paint a picture of a man who valued privacy and loyalty. His sister’s confirmation of the cause of death gave fans closure, while Richards’ tribute reminded the public of his warmth. For the many who grew up watching him on daytime television or cheering for him in Starship Troopers, the loss is personal.

Muldoon’s legacy is defined by his work and the lasting impressions he made on those who knew him.

Fans looking for details on the actors death can find the official cause and timeline at North Review.

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