Denise Richards expresses deep sorrow over the passing of her longtime friend and ex-partner Patrick Muldoon, stating she remains too heartbroken to view their latest joint project, the crime thriller Dirty Hands.
In a recent interview with Derek Hough, the 55-year-old actress lauds Muldoon’s standout performance in the film he brought to her. “Pat came to me with the project, and anytime he and I can work together, we do,” she shares. “Our friendship had gone on for almost 40 years. So I would have worked on anything with him.”
Richards calls promoting the movie “very difficult” after Muldoon’s sudden death on April 19 at age 57, yet stresses he would have wanted audiences to see it. When asked about her daughters—Sami, 22, Lola, 20, and Eloise, 14—watching the film, she responds, “I was going to watch it last weekend. I can’t watch the final cut yet.”1119
She notes viewing scenes during production and deems it his finest work. “My daughters were so close to Pat, so they can’t watch it right now,” Richards adds. “One day we will come back to this, but I’m grateful … I have this memory.”
Decades of Friendship and Collaboration
The pair dated intermittently in the 1990s and teamed up on projects like Starship Troopers, My Adventures With Santa, and A Christmas Reunion. “We’ve reunited on so many films over the years and have been so lucky and blessed to work with each other,” she reflects. “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 being able to feel vulnerable … [with] no judgment.”18
Plot and Highlights from Dirty Hands
Muldoon stars as Chicago drug runner Richie Denton, with Kevin Interdonato as his brother Danny. A failed drug deal sparks a chase by rival gangs and their boss. Richards portrays Sheila, Richie’s conflicted girlfriend.10
Richards posted an Instagram clip of a tense phone exchange: “The last time you lied to me, we almost lost everything. What are we going to lose this time?” Sheila demands. “I think everything is peachy, Sheil… I’m gonna be home in a couple of hours, okay?” Richie replies.1216
In her caption, she writes, “Pat & I were supposed to do press this week for DirtyHands. He was so passionate about this movie & worked so hard on it. He was personally close to many involved.” The actress highlights Muldoon’s pride in the film, written and directed by friend Kevin Interdonato and produced by another close associate, Guy.
Circumstances of Muldoon’s Death
Muldoon, famed for Days of Our Lives and Melrose Place, suffered a heart attack at his Beverly Hills residence shared with girlfriend Miriam Rothbart. He collapsed in the shower; paramedics could not revive him.09
Recent Projects and Tributes
Shortly before his death, Muldoon expressed enthusiasm on Instagram for Kockroach, a crime film based on William Lashner’s novel, where he served as executive producer. Directed by Matt Ross, it features Chris Hemsworth, Taron Egerton, Zazie Beetz, and Alec Baldwin, with filming in Australia.
Richards penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute: “I am deeply heartbroken and devastated losing you. You were my best friend and my family. We met in our first acting class… And here we are. 36 years later. My whole adult life and I don’t know it without you.” Her daughter Lola replied, “Ugh I love you mom I’m so so sorry. He’s cheering you on from heaven.”
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon Zappa, confirms a celebration of life ceremony will occur once the family processes the loss.1
