US actor and producer Patrick Muldoon, known for his roles in the famous soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’ and the movie ‘Starship Troopers,’ has died at the age of 57, according to US media reports.

Early Career and Breakthrough on Days of Our Lives

Muldoon played Austin Reed in the NBC daytime show ‘Days of Our Lives,’ a boxer who becomes romantically involved with Carrie Brady (Christie Clark), from 1992 to 1995. He briefly returned to the show in 2011.

Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon began his acting career while studying at the University of Southern California, where he also turned out for its football team called the Trojans.

After graduating in 1991, he landed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter on the high school sitcom ‘Saved By the Bell.’ But it was on ‘Days of Our Lives’ that he made his breakthrough, later going on to play the villain Richard Hart in ‘Melrose Place’ for three seasons, between 1995 to 1996, before hitting the big screen.

Starship Troopers and Other Film Roles

Muldoon starred in Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi action film ‘Starship Troopers’ in 1997, playing Zander Barcalow, the romantic rival of the lead character, portrayed by Casper Van Dien.

His last big on-screen appearance will come in the forthcoming action-crime thriller, ‘Dirty Hands,’ opposite another of his ‘Starship Trooper’ co-stars, Denise Richards.

Muldoon was set to produce the upcoming feature ‘Kockroach,’ starring Chris Hemsworth. Away from the camera, Muldoon – who had a band called The Sleeping Masses – also worked behind the scenes, producing films such as ‘The Tribes of Palos Verdes,’ ‘Arkansas’ and ‘Marlowe.’

Tributes and Personal Qualities

‘Truly gifted guy’ was how Alison Sweeney described Muldoon, who starred alongside him on ‘Days Of Our Lives.’ She paid tribute on X, posting: ‘This is such heartbreaking news. Pat was a rare kind of person – brilliantly talented, endlessly kind and generous in spirit.’

She added: ‘I was so lucky to have worked with him when I first started at Days, he made me feel at ease right away. He brought his unique charm and humour to work every day. A truly gifted guy, and one who will be profoundly missed.’

‘He was such a light… always making us laugh. My sincere condolences to his family, and everyone who loved him. He will be missed.’

Muldoon’s legacy in television and film is marked by his diverse roles and contributions both in front of and behind the camera. His passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, with many expressing their grief and admiration for his work and character.