The world of daytime television is mourning the sudden loss of Patrick Muldoon, the charismatic actor best known for originating the role of Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives. Muldoon died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 57, as confirmed by his manager on April 19, 2026, according to Variety. His passing has sent shockwaves through the soap opera community, sparking an outpouring of tributes from former co-stars, friends, and fans who fondly remember his decades-long career on the small and big screens.
Muldoon's journey to soap stardom began in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. Before his acting career took off, Muldoon was a standout football player at the University of Southern California, earning two coveted Rose Bowl rings. He first entered the world of entertainment as a model for Wilhelmina, starring in high-profile Calvin Klein ads, before making his television debut with appearances on Who's the Boss? and Saved by the Bell in the 1980s, as reported by USA Today.
But it was in 1992 that Muldoon truly captured the hearts of daytime audiences. He stepped into the role of Austin Reed, an aspiring boxer with a troubled past, on Days of Our Lives. His portrayal quickly became a cornerstone of the show's most memorable storylines, including a dramatic love triangle with Carrie Brady (played by Christie Clark) and her sister Sami (Alison Sweeney). The chemistry between Muldoon and Clark was undeniable, launching a supercouple whose romance dominated ratings and remains etched in fans' memories to this day. Their on-screen partnership even led to a primetime crossover in the 1993 special Days of Our Lives: Night Sins, a testament to their star power and the enduring appeal of their characters.
Muldoon's time as Austin Reed spanned several stints, from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2011 to 2012. During these years, his character faced a whirlwind of dramatic twists—family tragedies, betrayals, and the infamous storyline where Sami drugged Austin and convinced him he had fathered her child. These plots, though sensational, were brought to life with Muldoon's trademark charm and emotional depth, solidifying his place as a daytime legend.
The news of Muldoon's passing was met with heartfelt tributes across social media. The official Days of Our Lives Instagram account posted, "The Days of Our Lives family is saddened by the news of Patrick’s untimely passing. As the original ‘Austin Reed,’ he left an indelible mark in Salem both personally and professionally. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and he will be missed by all of us."
Christie Clark, Muldoon's on-screen partner and friend, shared a moving tribute on Instagram on April 20: "This gorgeous Irish man was just as beautiful inside as outside. P Muldoon made anyone that met him fall in love with him. Thank you for the hard belly laughing, nostril flaring uproarious good times I had with you. They’re imprinted on my heart and soul." She continued, "My Irish friend, Jim Morrison slash Marlon Brando re-incarnated, lover of life and music. Sending massive hugs to his most prized people, Deanna, Patrick Sr, Shana, Amhet, Halo, Arrow and of course his love Miriam." Clark also referenced their on-screen love song, “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos, underscoring the deep connection they shared both on and off camera.
Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady, also honored Muldoon with a post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 21. She reminisced about working with him during the show's iconic love triangle era, writing about how "lucky" she felt to have shared scenes with someone so "kind and funny on set." In a newsletter interview, Sweeney added, "I am truly devastated to read about Patrick’s passing. So many stories popped immediately into my mind of my first experience at DAYS and how lucky and grateful I am to have had the chance to work with him. He was always looking after me, helping me adjust to the crazy things my character was up to in our scenes together."
Other co-stars and friends echoed these sentiments. Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena, described Muldoon as "the sweetest man. A terrible loss." Lisa Rinna, who played his TV sister Billie Reed and dated Muldoon before her marriage to Harry Hamlin, shared a publicity photo with a broken-heart emoji. Kate Mansi, who portrayed Abigail, recalled, "Muldoon left an impact on everyone he knew." She remembered his unique phrase, "You popped your consciousness!" and affectionately called him "the original Cali boy rocker." Galen Gering (Rafe) expressed his grief on Instagram: "I keep waiting to wake up from this nightmare, but the reality is we’ve lost someone truly irreplaceable. Patrick was one of a kind — a gifted actor, an incredible singer and songwriter, absolutely hilarious, and one of the best friends you could ever ask for."
Muldoon's versatility extended beyond daytime drama. He played the villainous Richard Hart on Melrose Place from 1995 to 1996, captivating nighttime audiences with his intense performances. His Hollywood credentials grew with his role as Zander Barcalow in the cult classic sci-fi film Starship Troopers (1997), directed by Paul Verhoeven. Muldoon's acting range took him from comedy to action, and he continued to take on television and film roles throughout his career, including producing projects like The Card Counter, Marlow, and the recent action-comedy Riff Raff. He was also set to co-produce the upcoming thriller Kockroach and star in several posthumous releases, including the Denise Richards crime film Dirty Hands.
His impact on colleagues was profound. Mike Manning, who worked with Muldoon on the streaming soap The Bay, shared, “Damn, not Patrick 🙁 RIP buddy. Ugh too soon.” Casey Moss (JJ) posted, “Gonna miss you, bruv 🕊️ We’ll jam when I get up there.” Galen Gering, Eric Martsolf, Robert Scott Wilson, Cherie Jimenez, and Nadia Bjorlin were among many who offered condolences and memories, painting a picture of a man whose warmth, humor, and talent touched everyone he met.
Fans, too, have been sharing their favorite Austin and Carrie moments on social media, reliving the magic of Muldoon's performances through streaming platforms like Peacock, which hosts the full Days of Our Lives catalog. The love for his iconic supercouple, the drama of Salem, and his unique spark remain alive in the hearts of viewers old and new.
Patrick Muldoon's legacy is one of charm, talent, and generosity of spirit. Through decades of work across genres and mediums, he leaves behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain. For those who knew him, both on screen and off, his memory will be cherished for years to come.