Entertainment News3 min(s) read
Published 08:50 21 Apr 2026 GMT
Actor Patrick Muldoon has sadly died aged 57 after reportedly suffering a heart attack on Sunday (April 19).
The Saved by the Bell and Starship Troopers star was remembered as “stylish, charismatic, and full of life” by a close friend who confirmed his passing to Deadline.
Paying tribute to the beloved actor, they described him as “endlessly generous” and said he “embraced each day with a full-tilt, rock ’n’ roll spirit”.
They continued by adding that Muldoon “loved animals and people alike, gave unforgettable hugs, and possessed a rare quality of making others feel safe and seen”.
While the official cause of Muldoon’s premature death has not yet been confirmed, reports suggest he suddenly suffered a fatal heart attack, a major medical emergency also known as a myocardial infarction that requires urgent treatment, and often a defibrillator should the heart attack trigger a cardiac arrest.
According to the NHS, heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a clot. Risk factors can include smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, or a family history of heart issues.
Symptoms can vary, but commonly include chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing, sometimes spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, as well as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and dizziness.
The British Heart Foundation notes that symptoms can “vary from person to person”, adding that “it's possible to have a heart attack without experiencing all these symptoms”.
They stress: “Quick treatment to get the blood flowing to your heart muscle again is important,” explaining that it “can reduce the amount of permanent damage to your heart and save your life.”
Muldoon rose to fame in the 1990s after playing Jeffrey “Jeff” Hunter in Saved by the Bell, before going on to star as Austin Reed in Days of Our Lives. He also appeared in shows like Melrose Place and films including Starship Troopers, Badge of Honor, Arkansas and The Comeback Trail.
Just a day before his death, Muldoon shared a final post on Instagram expressing excitement about an upcoming film project. He wrote: “So excited to be a part of this amazing project directed by Matt Ross...filming now in Australia.”
Fans have since flooded the post with tributes to the late and much-respected actor. One wrote: “RIP Patrick, breaks my heart to see the news. The world has lost a remarkable man!” Another added: “Grew up watching you in Starship Troopers. RIP legend,” while a third said: “God bless you, Patrick. Thank you for so many great performances. Rest in peace.”
Muldoon is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart, as well as his parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.
