In a definitive deep dive for classic film fans, we explore the intricate history between Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards, as Muldoon addresses recent romance speculation, revealing a decades-long friendship rooted in shared Hollywood experiences, family ties, and a surprising ‘Days of Our Lives’ love triangle involving Lisa Rinna.
Recent whispers of rekindled romance between Patrick Muldoon and his former girlfriend, Denise Richards, have captured the attention of fans. The speculation arose following their appearance together on Richards’ new reality series and comments made by Richards’ daughter. However, Muldoon has publicly addressed these rumors, shedding light on a deep, decades-long friendship that has evolved far beyond their initial romantic entanglement.
The Origin Story: More Than Just ‘Starship Troopers’
Many fans associate Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards‘ romance with their co-starring roles in the iconic 1997 sci-fi film Starship Troopers. However, Muldoon revealed that their connection predates this cinematic collaboration. “Everybody thinks we met on Starship Troopers, but we met in acting class when she was 19 and I was 21,” Muldoon shared on Tori Spelling‘s podcast, misSPELLING. This early meeting laid the groundwork for a relationship that spanned both romantic and platonic chapters.
Their shared beginnings were unique; neither came from entertainment families. This common ground fostered a bond where their families also grew close, providing mutual support as they navigated the complexities of Hollywood. Muldoon confirmed, “Our families got to know each other over the years and kind of checked in with each other on navigating the crazy stuff that we all go through.”
Sami Sheen’s Speculation and Muldoon’s Clarification
The recent surge in romance speculation was fueled by an episode of Richards’ 2025 Bravo reality series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things. In Season 1, Episode 6, Muldoon joined Richards to film a romantic music video for his song, “Gray Again.” During the episode, Richards’ 21-year-old daughter, Sami Sheen, openly mused, “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 directly addressed Sami’s comments during his October 22 appearance on the misSPELLING podcast. He unequivocally denied any lingering romantic feelings, emphasizing his current relationship status. “We dated on and off in the ’90s, but since then, it’s been just friendship Sami, we are friends,” the Days of Our Lives star clarified, adding that he has been in a relationship with his current girlfriend since 2023, as reported by Us Weekly.
Muldoon also expressed his supportive stance towards Richards during a challenging time. “Denise and I are very tight buddies, and she’s going through a rough spot right now with everything. I wish her the best for sure, and we’re friends,” he stated, referencing Richards’ ongoing divorce from her second husband, Aaron Phypers, whom she wed in 2018.
The ‘Days of Our Lives’ Connection and the Lisa Rinna Revelation
The history between Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards is further intertwined with the world of daytime television and reality TV drama. Richards herself revealed on her reality series that she and Muldoon were initially “friends with benefits” before officially dating for “almost five years” during their time on Starship Troopers.
A surprising layer to their past was unveiled during Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 9, Episode 7, which aired in 2019. In a memorable moment, Dorit Kemsley playfully confronted Muldoon, who made a guest appearance, about dating both Richards and their fellow RHOBH co-star, Lisa Rinna, simultaneously without either woman’s knowledge.
Rinna, who played Muldoon’s sister, Billie Reed, on Days of Our Lives, confirmed the overlapping romances in a flashback scene from the episode. “He played my brother on Days. I had a little fling with him at the same time Denise was having a little fling with him,” Rinna candidly shared.
Muldoon portrayed Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995, with return appearances in 2011 and 2012. Lisa Rinna‘s tenure as Billie Reed also ran from 1992 to 1995, with multiple returns, including the 2021 miniseries Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem, as detailed by IMDb. This shared history on a classic soap opera adds a fascinating dimension to their interconnected lives.
A Lasting Family Connection
Beyond his bond with Denise, Patrick Muldoon maintains a strong relationship with her daughters, Sami Sheen and Lola Sheen. He’s known them since they were born, fostering a familial connection that transcends his romantic past with their mother. “I have a good relationship with both Lola and Sami. I’ve known them since they were first born, and so I have a good relationship with both,” Muldoon stated, underscoring the deep roots of their friendship.
The story of Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards is a testament to the complex and often enduring relationships that can form in the entertainment industry. While romantic speculation may come and go, their foundation of friendship, shared history, and mutual support remains a consistent narrative for classic film and television fans alike.
