Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon shared a bond spanning more than three decades before his sudden death in April 2026 at age 57 following a heart attack.
Through short-lived romance in the ’90s, a deep friendship and a reality TV reunion, Richards never held back about what the man she called “schweet babe” meant to her.
Keep scrolling to read Richards’ sweetest quotes about Muldoon:
How Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon Connected
Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon’s story started long before they were costars in 1997’s Starship Troopers. The two crossed paths in an acting class when she was 19 and he was 21, and what began as an on-and-off romance turned into one of the deepest friendships in Richards’ life.
During a 2019 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards reflected on their history: “I’ve known Patrick Muldoon since I was 19 years old. We call each other ‘schweet babe’ because we had nicknames on Starship Troopers for everyone.”
She added on that same episode: “We were on and off for quite a few years.”
On a March 2025 episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, Richards estimated their time together: “We were together for, I would say, s***, almost five years, maybe.”
Denise Richards on the Friendship That Outlasted Her Marriages
After the romance faded around 2000, Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon kept their friendship alive — though it wasn’t always smooth. Their bond hit a pause during Richards’ marriage to Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006. By the time Richards married Aaron Phypers in September 2018, the dynamic had shifted, and Muldoon attended the wedding as a guest.
“I did not speak to Pat when I was married to Charlie,” Richards said on her Bravo show in March 2025. “And it was hard, because I didn’t want to lose him as a friend. But toward the end of the marriage, I talked to him all the time about him.”
She added, “Mine and Pat’s relationship romantically was years ago and it’s just a deep friendship. I’m so grateful Aaron respects that because Charlie, he had a hard time with my relationship with Pat.”
Denise Richards’ Devastating Tribute After Patrick Muldoon’s Death
After Patrick Muldoon died in April 2026, Denise Richards poured her heart out on Instagram. Richards described Muldoon as her best friend, her family and her rock — painting a portrait of a bond that was “unconditional and rare.” Her words captured more than three decades of love and loyalty.
“This is so hard for me to put into words. I am deeply heartbroken & devastated losing you. You were my best friend & my family,” she wrote. “The friendship, love, support, respect & loyalty we had was unconditional and rare. You lit up every room you walked into. You are larger than life & everyone was drawn to you.”
Richards praised Muldoon for having “my back and protect[ing] me more than anyone.”
She also wrote: “Schweetbabe we’ve had those conversations. We thought we’d live forever or at least into our 90’s. Schweetbabe I will be looking for those signs. I need to know you’re still here with me. I love you so much & miss you dearly schweetbabe.”
The Sheen Sisters’ Thoughts on Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon
Denise Richards wasn’t the only one who recognized the special bond — her daughters had plenty to say, too. Her eldest, Sami Sheen, wasn’t entirely convinced the relationship was strictly platonic when she watched her mom film Patrick Muldoon’s music video on Denise Richards & Her Wild Things.
“He’s very flirty with her, I’m not gonna lie,” Sami said. “I don’t want to get him in trouble, but I feel like he might still have feelings for my mom. Just an idea.”
Muldoon addressed those comments on an October 2025 episode of iHeartRadio’s “MisSPELLING” podcast, saying, “We dated on and off in the ’90s, but since then, it’s been just friendship. Sammi, we are friends.”
After Muldoon’s death, Lola Sheen also paid tribute on Instagram, writing that she “begged” her mom to reunite with Muldoon.
“I will really miss hearing my mom laugh on the phone with you,” Lola wrote. “The bond you two had was something so special that no one can touch. When I think of my mom, I think of you. You guys came as a package.”
