Hollywood Mourns Patrick Muldoon, Starship Troopers and Days of Our Lives Star, Dead at 57

Well, here's some tough news from the world of '90s TV and B-movie greatness: Patrick Muldoon—the guy you probably remember as Austin Reed from Days of Our Lives or the cocky, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Zander Barcalow in Starship Troopers—has died at 57. His unexpected death this past Sunday morning (April 19) was reportedly down to a heart attack.

To put it bluntly, Muldoon was one of those actors who seemed to be everywhere in the '90s if you were glued to daytime soaps or caught late-night reruns. He pulled off that particular combo of soap star, cult movie guy, and TV guest spot regular, which, honestly, isn't as easy as it sounds.

Remembering Patrick Muldoon

The tributes have been coming in quick from friends, co-stars, and fans. Everyone seems to agree: Muldoon wasn't just a familiar face on screen—he actually made a big impression off-camera, too. Here's the general consensus, summed up by folks who knew him:

"Endlessly generous— with his poetry, his humor, and his unmistakable presence. Loved animals and people alike, gave unforgettable hugs, and possessed a rare quality of making others feel safe and seen. Stylish, charismatic, and full of life. Chose to embrace each day with a full-tilt, rock 'n' roll spirit."

Not a bad reputation to leave behind.

Career Highlights (and Some You Might Have Forgotten)

Muldoon grew up in San Pedro, California, and got his first toe in the acting pool while still juggling college. His early gigs were straight out of the classic '90s TV playbook:

• Two-episode appearance on Who's the Boss? in 1990 (yep, that Who's the Boss?)
• Three-episode run on Saved by the Bell as Jeffrey Hunter, the cool-guy manager at The Max—the hangout where the Bayside crew spent an odd, suspicious amount of time
• Breakout role: Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives (1992-1995, and again from 2011-2012)
• Prime time villain: Richard Hart on Melrose Place (1995-1996), because everybody needs at least one evil soap persona on their resume

If you remember him mostly as Zander in Starship Troopers, fair enough—the movie's developed a loyal following, and, let's be real, he was perfect as the rival who looked like he should have been in a '90s boy band rather than fighting bugs.

Still Unfolding

Right now, details are still trickling in—so, classic entertainment news disclaimer: this is a developing story. But for anyone keeping track of iconic TV personalities and cult film veterans, Muldoon's loss definitely stings a bit.