Denise Richards is reportedly “inconsolable” following the sudden death of her ex-boyfriend and longtime friend, actor Patrick Muldoon, who died Sunday of a heart attack at age 57. The “Starship Troopers” co-stars dated on and off for nearly five years in the late 1990s but remained close until his death. Richards’ daughter Lola Sheen revealed she had “begged” her mother to get back together with Muldoon, calling their bond “something so special.”
A source close to the actress told the Daily Mail that Richards, 55, is “devastated” and “can’t stop crying.”
“She’s devastated. Really, really sad. I’d even call her inconsolable. She can’t stop crying,” the source said. “Patrick is the ex that she had the best relationship with. There was a ton of respect on both sides. It was so amicable that they were better friends than lovers and they remained in constant contact.”
Richards met Muldoon when she was 19 and he was 21 in an acting class. They remained close friends for decades, with Muldoon even maintaining a relationship with Richards’ daughters, Lola, 20, and Sami, 22, whom she shares with ex-husband Charlie Sheen.
A Friendship That Endured Decades
Muldoon, best known for his roles on “Days of Our Lives,” “Melrose Place,” and the cult classic “Starship Troopers,” spoke about his close friendship with Richards on Tori Spelling’s “MisSPELLING” podcast in October 2025.
“We both don’t come from entertainment families, and our families got to know each other over the years and kind of checked in with each other on navigating the crazy stuff that we all go through,” he said.
He also shared that despite their romantic relationship not working out, he stayed close with Richards’ children. “I have a good relationship with both Lola and Sami. I’ve known them since they were first born.”
Richards and Muldoon co-starred in the 1997 sci-fi film “Starship Troopers” alongside Casper Van Dien. The film has since become a beloved cult classic.
Lola Sheen’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Lola Sheen, 20, took to Instagram on Monday to pay tribute to Muldoon, revealing that she had always hoped her mother would reunite with him.
“i thought you were the one that was supposed be in our lives forever,” she wrote. “i will really miss hearing my mom laugh on the phone with you. your voice always brightened my day and i’m gonna miss hearing it but i know my mom will more, but we will never stop talking about you.”
She added: “the bond you two had was something so special, that no one can touch. when i think of my mom i think of you. you guys came as a package and i’m so thankful i got to know you and witness a friendship so pure and special in front of my eyes.”
Lola also revealed that she “begged” her mom to end up with Muldoon, a testament to how highly she thought of him.
Patrick Muldoon’s Career and Legacy
Patrick Muldoon was a familiar face on television in the 1990s. He played Austin Reed on “Days of Our Lives” from 1992 to 1995, then transition to prime time as Richard Hart on “Melrose Place” (1996–1998). His film credits include “Starship Troopers” (1997), “The Little Vampire” (2000), and “Strange Hearts” (2002). In recent years, he continued to act in independent films and appeared at fan conventions.
His death from a sudden heart attack at 57 has shocked fans and colleagues. According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks in men in their 50s are not uncommon, but sudden cardiac death can occur without prior symptoms. Muldoon had not publicly disclosed any heart conditions.
Friends and co-stars have taken to social media to express their grief. Casper Van Dien, his “Starship Troopers” co-star, wrote: “Heartbroken. Pat was a kind soul and a true friend. Rest in peace.”
Richards’ History: From Sheen to Muldoon
Denise Richards was married to Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006. She has two daughters with Sheen, Lola and Sami, and adopted a third daughter, Eloise. After her divorce from Sheen, Richards had a highly publicized relationship with Muldoon, but they ultimately decided they were better as friends.
In her 2024 memoir, Richards wrote about her deep connection with Muldoon, calling him “one of the most important people in my life.” She described their relationship as “a love that transformed into an unbreakable friendship.”
The source close to Richards said: “She was his biggest supporter, he was hers. This loss is going to leave a huge hole in her life.”
What Happens Next
- Memorial services: The family has not announced funeral arrangements. A public memorial may be planned.
- Tributes: Fans and co-stars are expected to continue sharing memories on social media.
- Richards’ next steps: The actress may take time away from public appearances to grieve.
FAQ: Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon
Q: How did Patrick Muldoon die?
A: He suffered a sudden heart attack on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was 57.
Q: How did Denise Richards react?
A: A source says she is “inconsolable” and “can’t stop crying.”
Q: Were they ever married?
A: No, they dated on and off for nearly five years in the late 1990s but remained close friends.
Q: Did they have children together?
A: No. Richards’ daughters are from her marriage to Charlie Sheen.
Q: What did Lola Sheen say?
A: She revealed she “begged” her mom to end up with Muldoon and called their bond “something so special.”
Q: Where can I see tributes?
A: Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have tributes from fans and co-stars.
