Longtime “Days of Our Lives” viewers have been thrilled to see so many legacy characters return to Salem, even if only for a short run, and as it turns out, another character is coming home. Patrick Muldoon is returning to the soap as the character of Austin Reed, which he originated in 1992. Muldoon shared the news in an Instagram video on June 16, 2025, which featured the actor roaming the “Days of Our Lives” studio looking a bit confused.
Patrick Muldoon Says It Feels ‘Good to Be Back’
The video that the actor posted features him walking through a door and checking the sign, snapping his fingers as though trying to remember something. “It’s gotta be… Is it studio two?” Then Muldoon looks at the camera to talk directly to the fans. “Listen, I just got off the 101 South in Burbank and studio two and four… Oh! Oh my God, I’m in Salem!” Muldoon then puts on his sunglasses and smiles as he walks off. “Oh, it’s good to be back,” he declares.
When Muldoon first landed the role in 1992, he told Soap Opera Digest, “It was a big cattle call. For me, it was simply another audition. I screen-tested with Tracy Middendorf, who was playing Carrie. The main thing I remember is that after we got done, I saw Fran [De Simone], who was our stage manager, mouthing to someone else, ‘No. 4.’ I was No. 4, so I felt really good about that.”
In the same interview, Muldoon said that his first exit from the role in 1995 was because he was “simply being young and curious to try other things.” The role of Austin Reed was then recast with Austin Peck, who played the character until 2006. When the character returned to “Days” in 2011, Muldoon was back in his shoes. “It felt like coming home to family,” he said of reprising the role.
“I learned that the show is basically writing for whoever played the role last,” Muldoon said, “so I think there was this misstep with maybe the Austin that the fans were used to, and my interpretation of the character. As a soap actor, you try to redirect the story. Sometimes that can be a mistake, but I think we were successful toward the end of my second stint.”
What Is Next for Austin Reed?
Patrick Muldoon last appeared on “Days of Our Lives” in 2012, and he has continued appearing in a variety of films since then. The soap has yet to reveal an airdate for Austin Reed or give any sort of clue as to what his storyline will be, but Christie Clark recently returned to the series as Carrie Brady. Muldoon and Clark spent a chunk of the 1990s steaming up television screens as one of the hottest couples in daytime. Perhaps a reunion is on the horizon.
Soap opera lovers, buckle up! There’s a fresh breeze blowing into Salem, and it’s none other than Patrick Muldoon reprising his iconic role as Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives. If you’ve been a loyal fan, this is the kind of twist you live for—unexpected, nostalgic, and oh-so-dramatic.
In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into why his return matters, how it shakes up storylines, what fans are saying, and what could be next for Austin. Let’s spill all the soap tea, shall we?
Who is Patrick Muldoon? A Quick Refresher
Before we jump into his return, let’s rewind a bit.
Patrick Muldoon’s Legacy on ‘Days of Our Lives’
Patrick Muldoon originally joined the Days of Our Lives cast in 1992, quickly becoming a fan-favorite as Austin Reed—the charming, sometimes complicated love interest to the beloved Carrie Brady. He brought depth, mischief, and passion to the role like no other.
Why Did Patrick Muldoon Leave the Show?
Soap opera exits are as common as love triangles, and Muldoon left the show multiple times over the years to pursue other acting opportunities, including starring in Melrose Place and various action films.
Why His Return Now? What’s the Buzz About?
A Nostalgia-Packed Power Move
Bringing Muldoon back is pure genius. With viewers craving nostalgia and familiar faces post-pandemic, soap operas are digging into their golden past to revive interest.
Perfect Timing for Fresh Storylines
The producers have hinted that Austin’s return will stir up old flames, unresolved rivalries, and maybe even some shocking new secrets. Could there be a love triangle brewing? Or perhaps some long-lost family drama? You bet.
How Will Austin’s Return Impact the Current Salem Crew?
Carrie Brady and Austin: A Love Story Reignited?
Fans are already buzzing—will Carrie reappear too? Their love story is one of the most iconic in DOOL history. A reunion would cause ripples throughout Salem.
New Faces, Old Connections
Austin may also cross paths with new characters who never knew him but have ties to his past. Expect drama, misunderstandings, and possibly surprise alliances.
Behind the Scenes: Why Did Patrick Muldoon Say Yes to Returning?
An Interview With Patrick Muldoon (What He Said)
In a recent interview, Muldoon admitted he missed playing Austin:
“It feels like coming home. Austin’s story isn’t done yet, and I wanted to give the fans what they’ve been asking for.”
The Fans React: Social Media Explodes With Excitement
Twitter Goes Wild
Hashtags like #AustinReedReturns and #PatrickMuldoonIsBack have been trending since the announcement. Fans old and new are sharing favorite Austin moments.
Reddit Threads Predict Crazy Plot Twists
Fan theories are everywhere—some believe Austin could secretly have a child in Salem, others think he’s involved in corporate espionage. Soap imagination runs wild!
Potential Storylines: What Could Happen Next?
1. Secret Love Child?
Classic soap move—maybe Austin left behind more than broken hearts.
2. Corporate Takeover Plot?
Austin’s business background could make him the villain (or hero) in a fresh corporate battle.
3. Rekindled Romance With Carrie?
If she returns, sparks could fly. Or will Austin fall for someone new?
Why Austin Reed Still Matters in 2025
A Symbol of the Golden Soap Era
Characters like Austin remind viewers why they fell in love with daytime dramas in the first place—long story arcs, messy relationships, and slow-burning twists.
Keeping the Long-Time Fans Invested
Bringing back legacy characters keeps the older fanbase loyal while sparking curiosity among newer viewers.
How Will This Affect Ratings for ‘Days of Our Lives’?
The Ratings Boost is Real
Soap experts predict a spike in viewership, thanks to the nostalgia factor and Muldoon’s dedicated fan following.
Patrick Muldoon’s Other Projects: What Else is He Up To?
From Soap Star to Movie Actor
Besides DOOL, Muldoon has starred in Starship Troopers, indie films, and Hallmark movies.
Possible Crossover Projects?
Could Austin appear in a streaming-only DOOL spin-off like Beyond Salem? Fans are whispering.
The Importance of Nostalgia in Modern Soap Operas
Why Old Characters Make New Storylines Better
Bringing back beloved faces allows fresh stories that feel familiar, comforting—and binge-worthy.
Will Other Fan-Favorite Characters Return?
Soap producers love surprises. Could this open the door for returns from Sami, Lucas, or Billie?
Conclusion: Patrick Muldoon’s Comeback Brings Excitement Back to Salem
Patrick Muldoon returning as Austin Reed is more than just casting news—it’s a celebration of soap opera magic, a nod to loyal fans, and the promise of juicy new storylines. Whether you’ve been watching Days of Our Lives since the ’90s or you’re just catching up, this is the perfect moment to tune back into the drama of Salem.
