Denise Richards shared an emotional Instagram tribute to her longtime friend and 'Starship Troopers' co-star Patrick Muldoon, who died on April 19 at age 57 from a heart attack. The actress described their 36-year friendship as unconditional and rare. Muldoon was known for roles on 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Melrose Place,' and as a producer.
Denise Richards posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on Tuesday, expressing devastation over the loss of Patrick Muldoon. 'This is so hard for me to put into words,' she wrote. 'I am deeply heartbroken & devastated losing you. You were my best friend & my family.' The pair met in their first acting class when Richards was 19 and Muldoon, then 21, was a USC student with a recurring role on 'Who's the Boss.' Thirty-six years later, Richards said she could not imagine life without him, praising his infectious laugh, kindness, wit, strength, loyalty, passion, and zest for life. They had been each other's rock, with endless memories and Muldoon protecting her more than anyone, including during her last year of pain and heartache. Richards called him her voice of reason and pillar of strength, noting they had discussed death and expected to live into their 90s. 'Schweetbabe I will be looking for those signs. I need to know you’re still here with me,' she concluded, signing off with their nickname. TMZ reported Muldoon suffered a heart attack at his Beverly Hills home on Sunday, April 19. He originated the role of Austin Reed on the soap opera 'Days of Our Lives' from 1992 to 1995 and starred on 'Melrose Place' from 1995 to 1996. As a producer through Storyboard Productions, he worked on films including 'The Tribes of Palos Verdes,' 'Arkansas,' 'Marlowe,' 'The Card Counter,' 'The Dreadful,' and 'Riff Raff.' Richards and Muldoon co-starred in Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 sci-fi satire 'Starship Troopers' and were set to appear together in the upcoming crime thriller 'Dirty Hands' directed by Kevin Interdonato.