Denise Richards pays emotional tribute to late ex-girlfriend Patrick Muldoon, calling him ‘best friend’

Denise Richards has broken her silence on the death of ex-girlfriend Patrick Muldoon.

The 55-year-old actress paid tribute to her ex-lover, who became her longtime best friend, in an emotional Instagram post, writing that she was “deeply heartbroken and devastated” and found it difficult to put her feelings into words.

“You were my best friend and family. We met in our first acting class. I was 19 and had never had an acting job, and you were 21 and a student at the University of Southern California in a recurring role on Who’s the Boss?” she wrote. “And here we are, 36 years later. My entire adult life is unknown without you.”

Muldoon and Richards dated for nearly five years in the 1990s and remained close friends even after their breakup. The two later co-starred in the 1997 film Starship Troopers.

Patrick Muldoon, ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Melrose Place’ star dies of sudden heart attack at age 57

Reflecting on their friendship, Richards wrote, “The friendship, love, support, respect and loyalty we had was unconditional and rare.”

“You lit up every room you entered. You were larger than life and everyone was drawn to you,” she shared. “A very talented and most underrated actor. And the most humble. Everything you did was contagious. Your laughter, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion, and your zest for life. We were each other’s rock.”

Richards went on to call Muldoon “a voice of reason and a pillar of strength” and said he had “taken her back and protected me more than anyone else.”

Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter

“Especially this past year of pain and heartache. And now, with this pain and heartache of losing you, I need you more than ever,” she wrote. “Sweet Babe, that’s what we talked about. We thought we were going to live forever, or at least into our 90s. Schweet Babe, I look for signs of that. I need you to know that you’re still here with me. I love you so much and I miss you so much, Schweet Babe.”

Ms. Richards posted a video slideshow featuring photos of her and Muldoon over the years. (JC Olivera/Variety, via Getty Images)

Her post included a video slideshow featuring photos and videos of her and the “Days of Our Lives” actor together over the years.

Many stars sent well wishes to Richards, including Pioneer Woman’s Ree Drummond, who wrote: “Your friendship was so perfect, pure and sweet. I’m so sorry, Denise.”

Richards’ daughters also expressed their love, with Sammy writing, “Such a beautiful video and message. I love you so much,” while Laura added, “Such a beautiful mom, I’m so sorry. I love you so much. You guys are forever endgame.”

Laura also paid tribute to the late actor on her Instagram, posting a photo of her and her mother in the car, saying: “When I think of my mother, I think of you” and that “life will never feel the same” without him.

Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news

Many stars sent congratulations in the comments section of Richards’ Instagram post. (Peter Bischoff/Getty Images)

“I really miss hearing my mom laugh on the phone with you. Your voice always brightened my day and I’m going to miss hearing it. But I know you’ll do it more, but we’re never going to stop talking about you,” she wrote. “Thank you for being her best friend. Thank you for making her laugh and forgetting everything she was going through. That was a gift from you.”

The ‘Days of Our Lives’ star’s manager confirmed the news variety. According to deadlineMuldoon died of a sudden heart attack on Sunday. He was 57 years old.

Click here to download the FOX News app