Denise Richards Opens Up About Heartbreaking Loss of Patrick Muldoon & Their Final Film
While promoting her new thriller Dirty Hands, Denise Richards opened up about working with her close friend and late actor, Patrick Muldoon, in their final film together.
In an April 28 interview with Extra TV, Richards noted that she stars as Sheila, the wife of Richie Denton, played by Muldoon, who died on April 19 following a heart attack at the age of 57, in the movie. She said that it has been difficult to promote the film, but she knows that Muldoon would have wanted her to continue to do so.
Richards also shared that she jumped at the chance to be in the film when Muldoon had approached her to be his co-star.
"Anytime he and I can work together, we do. We've, you know, our friendship had gone on for, you know, almost 40 years. So, I would have worked on anything with him," said Richards.
Richards also told Extra TV that she and Muldoon always felt "blessed to work with each other" following their first film together, 1997's Starship Troopers.
"Anytime we could work together, we have. We have always loved being on set together and there's such a respect. There's a safety with us with feeling being able to feel vulnerable and certain scenes and no judgment," said the actress in the interview.
While speaking to Extra TV, Richards shared that her daughters, Sami Sheen, 22, Lola Sheen, 20, and Eloise Richards, 14, won't be watching Dirty Hands for quite some time. She explained that her children "were so close to Pat," so it would be difficult for them to view it.
"One day we will. We will come back to this, but I'm grateful I got to have this memory with with he and I," continued Richards.
Denise Richards Paid Tribute to Patrick Muldoon on Instagram
Richards paid tribute to Muldoon in an April 21 Instagram post. The upload featured pictures of the pair throughout their decades-long friendship and working relationship.
In the caption, Richards shared she is "deeply heartbroken & devastated losing" Muldoon.
"You were my best friend & my family," wrote the actress.
She also noted she was 19 years old when she met Muldoon at their "first acting class."
"[Y]ou were 21 a student at USC doing a recurring role on who's the boss. And here we are. 36 years later. My whole adult life & I don't know it without you. The friendship, love, support, respect & loyalty we had was unconditional and rare," continued Richards.
She then described Muldoon as "larger than life," "so talented," "and most humble."
"Everything you did was infectious. Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion, and your zest for life. We've been each other's rock. Our memories together are endless," stated Richards. "You've had my back and protected me more than anyone. I don't know what I'm going to do without you here. You're my voice of reason & pillar of strength. Especially during this last year of pain & heartache."
She ended her caption by writing that she "will be looking for" signs that Muldoon is looking over her.
Patrick Muldoon Shared Details About His Friendship With Denise Richards
Muldoon spoke about his friendship with Richards in an October 2025 interview onTori Spelling's podcast, misSPELLING. He said that he and Richards "dated on and off in the '90s," but maintained a platonic friendship after their breakup.
Muldoon also shared that he and Richards initially bonded because they weren't from the entertainment world when they started acting.
"The thing about Denise and I is everybody thinks we met on Starship Troopers, but we met in acting class when she was 19 and I was 21," said the Days of Our Lives actor. "We both don't come from entertainment families, and our families got to know each other over the years and kind of checked in with each other on navigating the crazy stuff that we all go through."
He also said that he had a bond with Richards' children.
"I've known them since they were first born," said Muldoon while recording Spelling's podcast.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 11:42 PM.