A decadesâlong bond between Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon, which began as a 1990s romance and evolved into a deep, enduring friendship, is recounted as Muldoon died at 57 from a heart attack in April 2026. Richards has candidly reflected on their history in interviews and on her shows, recalling nicknames like âschweet babe,â their onâagain, offâagain romance, and a friendship that persisted through marriages and reunions. Her heartfelt Instagram tribute framed him as best friend, family, and rock, highlighting a connection described as unconditional and rare. The piece also notes responses from their families, including Richardsâs daughter Sami, and Muldoonâs own remarks about their friendship before his death. The outlook underscores the lasting impact of their bond on Richardsâ life and public narrative surrounding loss and memory.
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Richards and Muldoon first connected in an acting class when she was 19 and he was 21, later co-starring in 1997âs Starship Troopers; what began as a romance grew into one of Richardsâ closest friendships, with nicknames like 'schweet babe' tied to their onâset camaraderie.
Their relationship was onâandâoff for years, a dynamic Richards described on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2019) and reiterated in a 2025 episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, estimating they were together for roughly five years at their peak.
After the romance faded around 2000, the pair kept a friendship alive, though it paused during Richardsâs marriage to Charlie Sheen (2002â2006); Muldoon attended Richardsâs 2018 wedding to Aaron Phypers, and she noted she did not speak to him during the Charlie period.
Muldoonâs death in April 2026 was confirmed by his manager to Variety; Richards immediately posted a tribute describing him as her best friend, family, and rock, and detailing a bond characterized by loyalty, support, and an enduring presence in her life.
In her Instagram caption, Richards expressed heartbreak and gratitude for a relationship she called âunconditional and rare,â praising Muldoon for having her back and noting plans to look for signs that he remains with her.
Richardsâs daughters weighed in, with Sami Sheen suggesting Muldoon may have still harbored feelings for her mom, adding nuance to the perception of their bond and its close, nuanced boundaries.
Muldoon himself addressed public questions about their history on a 2025 iHeartRadio podcast, clarifying that while they dated in the â90s, their status had since been strictly friendship, a sentiment echoed by family members following his passing.