Life After “Malcolm in the Middle”
In the annals of television history, certain characters leave an indelible mark despite not being the central focus of their respective shows. One such character is Dewey, the youngest brother from the popular family sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle,” portrayed by Erik Per Sullivan.
Premiering over two decades ago, “Malcolm in the Middle” quickly became a television sensation, launching the careers of its main cast, including Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston. Despite initial skepticism from studios, the show’s unique premise, revolving around the chaotic life of 14-year-old Malcolm and his quirky family, resonated with audiences.
Erik Per Sullivan played Dewey, the adorable and eccentric youngest sibling caught between toddlerhood and adolescence. The character became a fan favorite, showcasing Sullivan’s talent as a child actor. The show’s success was evident, running for seven seasons with 151 episodes and earning critical acclaim, including seven Emmy wins.
Upon the conclusion of “Malcolm in the Middle,” Erik Per Sullivan’s life took a quieter turn. Born in 1991, Sullivan was only nine years old when he began his role as Dewey. Despite his newfound fame, the young actor faced the challenges of being away from home as the show was predominantly filmed in Los Angeles. To provide him with a sense of normalcy, co-star Bryan Cranston, who played Dewey’s father, invited Sullivan to spend weekends with his own family.
Post-“Malcolm,” Sullivan continued his acting career with roles in films such as “Unfaithful” (2002) and “Christmas With the Kranks” (2004). He also lent his voice to animated projects like “Finding Nemo” and “Arthur and the Invisibles.” However, Sullivan intentionally maintained a low profile, steering clear of official social media accounts and avoiding the spotlight.
According to IMDb, Sullivan pursued his education at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island and later transferred to Phillips Exeter Academy. He attended the University of Southern California (USC) between 2009 and 2010 but hasn’t been involved in acting since then.
Contrastingly, Frankie Muniz, who played the titular Malcolm, took a more active post-“Malcolm” path. Muniz expanded his acting repertoire with roles in films like “Big Fat Liar” and the “Agent Cody Banks” series, along with appearances in various television shows. Outside of acting, Muniz explored interests such as open-wheel racing and music, even drumming for the band Kingsfoil.
However, Muniz’s journey took a challenging turn as he revealed suffering from nine concussions, leading to severe memory loss. Despite these hardships, Muniz maintains a positive outlook on life.
As for the possibility of a “Malcolm in the Middle” sequel, Muniz expressed interest in a 2015 tweet, suggesting the title “Malcolm In The Mid-life Crisis.” Whether this idea materializes remains uncertain, but fans continue to cherish the memories of the beloved show that left an enduring legacy in the realm of television sitcoms.
