Actor Patrick Muldoon, who passed away suddenly on April 19, 2026, at age 57, was honored at a memorial mass held at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Santa Monica on May 16. The service brought together a diverse group of attendees — including University of Southern California (USC) football teammates and Hollywood associates who worked with the “Days of Our Lives” and “Melrose Place” actor throughout his professional career.
The reception following the service took place less than a month after his death, gathering together friends, family, and former co-stars to celebrate his life.
The Cause of Death Revealed
Muldoon died of a heart attack, with a death certificate obtained exclusively by Us Weekly revealing multiple contributing factors. These included a pulmonary embolism and a coagulation disorder, a genetic blood-clotting condition.
People close to the actor reported that Muldoon had gone to shower after having coffee with his girlfriend when he experienced the fatal event, shocking those in his circle.
A statement released to the media shortly after his death captured the essence of the man being remembered. “With his poetry, his humor, and his unmistakable presence, [Patrick] loved animals and people alike, gave unforgettable hugs, and possessed a rare quality of making others feel safe and seen,” the statement read. “Stylish, charismatic, and full of life, he embraced each day with a full-tilt, rock ‘n’ roll spirit.”
Tributes From Loved Ones
Sami Sheen, the 22-year-old daughter of Muldoon’s former girlfriend Denise Richards, was among those present at the celebration of life. Sheen shared a photo of the program via Instagram, simply writing, “Miss u so much Patrick.”
Actress Andrea Bendewald, a longtime friend, posted lyrics from Muldoon’s 2009 song “Become Everything,” which he recorded with his band the Sleeping Masses. She described the day as a celebration of “an extraordinary life, family & legacy.”
A Gathering of Hollywood and USC Family
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon Zappa, reposted tributes throughout the day, writing, “I know Patrick is smiling and saying ‘Fight On’ from spirit,” referencing her brother’s lasting devotion to the USC Trojans.
In attendance was Muldoon’s former USC Trojans teammate Rodney Peete, who posted photos from the service on Instagram. “Tough Day saying goodbye to my friend Pat Muldoon!!! He was my Teammate, My Brother, My Friend miss you already brotha,” Peete wrote in his tribute.
Though Muldoon was primarily recognized for his television work, he was also an accomplished football player during his youth, playing tight end for USC in the 1980s. That part of his life was prominently featured at the reception, where former teammates shared memories alongside the actor’s Hollywood associates.
A Legacy on Screen and a Final Reunion
Perhaps the most poignant tribute came from actress Denise Richards, who was romantically involved with Muldoon in the late 1990s after the two appeared together in the 1997 science fiction film “Starship Troopers.” Richards publicly mourned him on April 21, expressing that she was “deeply heartbroken & devastated.”
In her tribute, Richards reflected on a friendship that had roots extending well before either became well-known. She described meeting Muldoon in their first acting class, when she was 19 and had never worked as an actress, while he was 21 and a USC student with a recurring role on “Who’s the Boss.” That encounter, she noted, occurred 36 years ago — nearly her entire adult life.
In a touching conclusion to his career, Muldoon and Richards had recently appeared together onscreen in the crime drama “Dirty Hands,” which premiered just days after his death. He was also scheduled to produce the upcoming film “Kockroach,” featuring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Egerton, Zazie Beetz, and Alec Baldwin — a venture he had enthusiastically promoted on Instagram just two days before his passing.
Remembrances came in from throughout Muldoon’s professional community in the weeks before the memorial, including tributes from former “Days of Our Lives” co-star Lisa Rinna, ex-partner Tori Spelling and various soap opera actors.
As the reception concluded on May 16 and attendees exited the Santa Monica church, those who knew Muldoon best conveyed a unified message: the actor’s commanding personality, approachable humor, and steadfast devotion would endure in memory — among Hollywood, USC, and the loved ones remaining.