Patrick Muldoon built a decades-long career across television and film, starring in staples like Melrose Place and Days of Our Lives. Yet, his personal life and high-profile romances frequently captured just as much attention as his on-screen credits. From iconic 1990s relationships with fellow Hollywood stars to long-term partnerships later in life, the actor's romantic trajectory often intersected with his work on set.
Understanding Patrick Muldoon's relationship history requires looking past the tabloid rumors to examine his genuine connections, lifelong friendships with exes, and the partners who stood by him. While he never married, his romantic path featured several notable relationships that shaped his personal life.
The Definitive Timeline of Patrick Muldoon's Major Romances
Muldoon's dating history spans several eras of Hollywood culture, connecting him with some of the most recognizable names in entertainment from the 1990s onward.
Denise Richards
The most enduring and heavily discussed chapter of Muldoon's romantic life involved actress Denise Richards. The pair first crossed paths in an acting class when Richards was 19 and Muldoon was 21. They dated on and off throughout the 1990s, becoming a recognizable young Hollywood pairing.
Though their romantic relationship eventually evolved, the connection endured for decades. They remained close friends, supporting each other's personal and professional endeavors and even working together professionally later in life.
Tori Spelling
Muldoon's social circle in the 1990s frequently overlapped, leading to historic overlapping connections among fellow stars. Tori Spelling revealed publicly that she and Richards shared history with Muldoon, recounting how dating timelines occasionally overlapped or caused friendly friction during their younger years in Los Angeles. Despite the youthful complications, the group maintained an amicable dynamic decades later.
Lisa Rinna
During their time working together on Days of Our Lives, Muldoon and Lisa Rinna shared an unexpected real-life connection. Rinna later candidly recalled on a podcast that despite playing characters with close familial ties on screen, they had a brief romantic fling behind the scenes. The casual relationship remained a lighthearted piece of daytime television lore.
Miriam Rothbart
In his later years, Muldoon found stability and a private partnership with producer and entrepreneur Miriam Rothbart. The couple began dating in 2023, celebrating multiple years together while keeping their relationship relatively low-key compared to his 1990s spotlight. Rothbart, who transitioned from entertainment law to film and music production, was by his side until his passing in April 2026.
The Reality Behind the Headlines and Rumors
Celebrity profiles often exaggerate short-term acquaintances into dramatic love triangles, but Muldoon's actual romantic footprint was defined by longevity and loyalty rather than constant scandal.
- The Power of Platonic Exes: Unlike many Hollywood splits that end in lifelong estrangement, Muldoon maintained exceptionally close bonds with former partners like Denise Richards. Their enduring friendship frequently sparked media speculation about lingering romantic feelings, but both consistently clarified that mutual respect and platonic support defined their later years.
- Keeping Love Out of the Spotlight: While his early career relationships were heavily tracked by entertainment media, his later relationship with Rothbart demonstrated a deliberate shift toward privacy. They chose to share minimal details publicly, focusing on shared creative projects and personal tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Patrick Muldoon ever married?
No, Patrick Muldoon was never married and did not have children. However, he shared long-term commitments and significant relationships throughout his life.
How long did Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards date?
They dated on and off throughout the 1990s after meeting in their early twenties. Though the romance changed shape, they remained lifelong friends and frequent supporters of one another.
Who was Patrick Muldoon dating at the time of his passing?
At the time of his death in April 2026, Muldoon was in a relationship with producer and curator Miriam Rothbart, whom he began dating in 2023.
