The daytime television community is mourning the loss of Patrick Muldoon, who rose to fame as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives in the '90s. The actor passed away on April 19 at the age of 57 following a heart attack, according to Deadline
Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon initially pursued athletics, playing football at the University of Southern California. While still in college, he began building an acting career, making early appearances on Who’s the Boss? and Saved by the Bell. But it was in 1992 that his career—and soap opera history—changed when he was cast as Austin Reed on DAYS.
Muldoon quickly became a central figure in one of the show’s most iconic storylines—a complicated love triangle involving Carrie Brady and her sister Sami. His portrayal helped define a major era of the series, blending romance, conflict, and that classic soap tension fans expect. During his run, he also shared the screen with Lisa Rinna, who played his on-screen sister, Billie Reed.
After leaving Days of Our Lives in 1995, Muldoon successfully transitioned into primetime television, most notably with a recurring role as Richard Hart on Melrose Place. He also appeared in the cult sci-fi film Starship Troopers in 1997. Though the role of Austin was later recast with Austin Peck, Muldoon returned to Salem in 2011, describing the experience as “like coming home,” before departing again the following year.
In more recent years, Muldoon shifted his focus behind the camera, becoming a prolific producer. At the time of his death, he was working on the upcoming film Kockroach, starring Chris Hemsworth. In a poignant final Instagram post shared just one day before his passing, Muldoon expressed excitement about the project, which was filming in Australia.
According to reports, Muldoon was found unconscious at his Beverly Hills home by his longtime girlfriend, who called paramedics. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, including from former co-star Alison Sweeney (Sami), who remembered him as “brilliantly talented, endlessly kind, and generous in spirit,” adding that he brought charm and humor to the set every day.
Patrick Muldoon leaves behind a legacy that spans daytime television, primetime drama, and film. For Days of Our Lives fans, he will always be remembered as the original Austin Reed—a character who helped define a generation of storytelling in Salem.
DAYTIME SOAP OPERAS
