Denise Richards has publicly shared her profound sorrow following the sudden passing of her ex-boyfriend and longtime confidant, Patrick Muldoon, who died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. The actress, through an emotional Instagram post, described Muldoon as her "best friend" and "family," detailing the significant void his absence leaves in her life and that of her daughter, Lola Sheen.
Muldoon's death, reported at his Beverly Hills residence after paramedics were unable to revive him, has prompted a wave of public tributes from Richards and her daughter, underscoring a deep and enduring connection that extended beyond their past romantic involvement. Muldoon, known for his roles in "Melrose Place" and "Days of Our Lives," had a history of on-and-off relationships with Richards throughout the 1990s, having met when Richards was 19 and he was 21.
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Daughter's Emotional Recollection
Lola Sheen, Richards' daughter with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, also posted a poignant message, reflecting on Muldoon's integral role in their lives. She expressed regret that her mother and Muldoon never rekindled their romance, noting, "I always begged my mom… but I guess staying best friends was better anyways." Sheen highlighted Muldoon's protective nature and the comfort his presence brought to her mother, stating, "I will really miss hearing my mom laugh on the phone with you. You've had my back and protected me more than anyone."
A Friendship Documented
The depth of Richards and Muldoon's friendship was recently showcased in a March 2025 episode of Richards' reality show, "Denise Richards and Her Wild Things." During the program, Richards played the love interest in the music video for Muldoon's song, "Gray Again." In a confessional, Richards described their relationship as a "deep friendship" that persisted despite her ex-husband Charlie Sheen's initial difficulties with their bond. Muldoon had also made guest appearances on Richards' reality programs, including "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
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Muldoon's sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ that he had collapsed in his home after a morning coffee. His partner of two years, Miriam Rothbart, was present at the time. The circumstances surrounding his death, described as "sudden," have cast a pall over the close circle that included Richards and her family.
Richards' tributes consistently invoked phrases like "You lit up every room you walked into," "larger than life," and a profound sense of loss, indicating Muldoon's significant charisma and impact on those around him. The consistent themes across her public statements emphasize a deep personal connection, describing him as a "pillar of strength" and her "voice of reason."
