Malcolm in the Middle Stars: Where Are They Now?

On Tuesday, Frankie Muniz excited fans when he worked alongside his TV parents, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, during the filming of the Malcolm in the Middle revival.

39-year-old actor appeared to have raised some worries when he disclosed his struggles with mental and emotional wellbeing earlier in the week, but he seemed cheerful in a heartwarming photo shoot with his fellow cast members, suggesting he was feeling better.

For the past two decades, I’ve eagerly waited for a revival of my cherished sitcom “That’s My Time” that ended in 2006. Now, my patience is about to pay off as Disney Plus has given the go-ahead for a limited four-episode series.

The narrative focuses on Malcolm, along with his sister, being required to go to the 40th anniversary celebration hosted by their parents Hal and Lois.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that some of the show’s principal cast members are coming back to reenact their roles. These include Christopher Masterson as Francis and Justin Berfield as Reese. However, not every cherished star from the series will make a comeback. Unfortunately, Erik Per Sullivan, who brought Dewey, Malcolm’s younger brother to life on screen, has chosen to step away from acting since 2010.

So where are the stars of Malcolm In The Middle now?

Frankie Muniz (Malcolm)

Back in the year 2000, I was still a youngster when my world turned upside down by the whirlwind of fame that swept me away as the lead in MITM. That’s right, I played a prodigious child with an IQ of 165, navigating life amidst a cluster of chaotic siblings and a family far from functional. It was a rollercoaster ride, but every moment was worth it!

By 2003, he earned the title of “one of Hollywood’s most financially reliable teenagers,” with roles in films such as “Big Fat Liar” and “Agent Cody Banks.

However, when his sitcom concluded after three years, he voiced a wish to depart from typical Hollywood movie roles, stating: “Up until last year, the thought of growing up never frightened me. Lately, I’ve been contemplating aging, becoming an adult, and it has scared me.

‘Hopefully things will work out in my career. If they don’t, then it was never meant to be.’

As an adult, he kept busy with film and television projects, but didn’t regain the renown he enjoyed in his childhood. Eventually, he decided to pause his acting career and focus on car racing instead.

As a fervent admirer, let me share that last year, the legendary Frankie made a groundbreaking announcement – at the ripe age of 38, he decided to dive into the high-speed world of NASCAR racing!

In conversation with folks, Frankie expressed about the unexpected decision: “I wouldn’t exactly call it a long-awaited moment, but this aspiration of mine has been a lifelong dream…

I’ve always dreamed of doing it since I was a kid, being captivated by NASCAR races. Though I never expected to have the chance, I was an avid fan. Now, let me make it clear: I’ve invested my entire life into this pursuit.

He stated: “The boy featured on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ is participating in NASCAR. I believe you understand my reference, and remarkably, I’ve actually done it myself.

Apart from being a racer, Frankie also temporarily played drums for a band named You Hang Up between 2012 and 2014. Additionally, he participated in Dancing with the Stars and the Australian version of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Over the course of many years, Frankie has encountered multiple health complications, among them being nine instances of concussion and migraine auras that have been formally diagnosed as mini-strokes.

Apart from his professional racing career, he’s endured various injuries including a fractured spine.

Jane Kaczmarek (Lois)

Jane received three Golden Globe nominations and seven Primetime Emmy nods for her portrayal of the harried mother Lois in the popular sitcom.

Before securing her groundbreaking role, she made appearances on numerous TV series, both in recurring and guest spots, including Frasier and Cybill.

Jane frequently appeared on the initial eight episodes that aired during Showtime’s broadcast of The Paper Chase, portraying the character Connie Lehman.

Following the conclusion of MITM, Jane embarked on a fresh TV series collaboration with Ted Danson. The show, titled Help Me Help You, ran for only one season before being canceled.

As she devoted herself to her acting career, she consistently placed a high value on her family, acknowledging that the intense nature of her role in “Mom” sometimes left her with less time for her kids than she desired.

Previously, Jane shared that her daughter Frances expressed great delight upon hearing that the show ‘Malcolm’ was taken off the air. On the day it was canceled, Frances rejoiced loudly with happiness.

2009 marked the year when she initiated the divorce proceedings from her 17-year long married partner, Bradley Whitford, who is also an actor known for his role in The West Wing.

In the year 2013, Jane got together again with her fellow actor Bryan to shoot an amusing additional scene for his intense series “Breaking Bad.

In this new version of events, the DVD release finds Bryan slipping back into the shoes of his MITM character Hal. The plot unfolds with Hal waking up to a shocking revelation: the entire TV series and his Walter White role were just a dream, with Jane (in her Lois persona) there to console him as he grapples with this startling realization.

Most recently, she appeared in one episode of the 2023 TV series, The Changeling.

Bryan Cranston (Hal)

It’s widely acknowledged that Bryan, among the cast of MITM, has had an exceptionally prosperous acting career. This esteemed journey has earned him multiple accolades such as six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Laurence Olivier Award, and two Tony Awards.

Bryan from MITM is known for his highly successful acting career that’s been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including six Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globes, a Laurence Olivier, and two Tonys.

Initially, his fame originated from the character he played as lovable father Hal on Malcolm in the Middle.

Following the conclusion of the series, he secured the main character role of Walter White on the hit TV show “Breaking Bad,” earning him significant recognition and praise.

His other notable works include a role in the Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan.

In 2015, his performance as Dalton Trumbo in the film “Trumbo,” a movie about the Hollywood blacklist, earned him nominations for both the Academy Award and BAFTA Award in the Best Actor category.

It was revealed earlier this year that Bryan will make his comeback to the stage, performing in an Arthur Miller play called “All My Sons,” under the direction of Ivo van Hove.

This exceptional actor had already claimed a Tony Award for his portrayal of the late U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson in “All the Way” back in 2014.

During that timeframe, he’s committed to the play and the “Making a Murderer” remake, but he announced earlier that he would be temporarily stepping away from acting for a minimum of half a year in 2026 to devote more attention to his spouse.

To eliminate any misunderstandings, he shared on Instagram that he won’t be retiring; instead, when he turns 70 in 2026, he plans to take a break for a year. Wowza – that’s 70!

In my own words, I confess that I’m not entirely clear on the concept of ‘pausing’, but for now, I believe it implies a number of benefits if I were to take a break for a year.

Bryan went on to describe the ‘pause’ as a way to ‘reset my career.’

He expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for the chances he’s received, adding that he had more to say on the subject of his temporary absence.

As a devoted actor, I find myself running low on innovative character portrayals from the roles presented to me. To rejuvenate my creativity and offer more authentic performances, I believe it’s crucial for me to broaden my personal experiences by living more extensively, allowing me to draw upon this enriched life when diving into future characters.

Christopher Masterson (Francis)

Christopher became well-known for his portrayal of the mischievous eldest brother Francis on “That’s My Time,” a role he landed after being expelled from military school due to his unruly behavior.

Apart from his work on the sitcom, Christopher also secured roles in MTV’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, USA Network’s White Collar, and a supportive part in Scary Movie 2.

Yet he pulled back from acting in recent years and has focused on his new career as a DJ.

In 2021, he welcomed a baby girl with his wife Yolanda Pecoraro.

Chris belongs to a theatrical family and is the sibling of Danny Masterson, who was famous for his role in That 70s Show. Additionally, Chris shares the same mother with Alanna Masterson from The Walking Dead and Jordan Masterson from Last Man Standing.

All four of them are followers of Scientology, and at one point, Christopher was dating another Scientologist named Laura Prepon, who starred alongside Danny on the show “That ’70s Show.

In 2020, the Masterson family made news when Danny was accused of forcibly raping three women, each incident occurring between 2001 and 2003 while they were members of the Church of Scientology. However, he maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to all charges.

In May 2023, Danny was officially convicted of two instances of rape. The case for the third count of rape ended with a tie among the jurors. Later in September 2023, he received a sentence to spend 30 years to life behind bars.

Last year, Danny was denied bail pending due to fears he would try to run.

Justin Berfield (Reese)

At just five years old, Justin kick-started his acting journey with a role in a Folgers coffee advertisement, followed by additional appearances in various American ads during his childhood.

Nevertheless, it was his role in “Two and a Half Men” that marked his major breakthrough, as Justin portrayed the character of Reese – an impulsive and intellectually limited elder sibling to Malcolm.

Following the conclusion of the series, Justin shifted his focus to the other side of the camera and started working as the Head Creative Officer at the production company, Virgin Produced.

In a conversation with Variety in 2010, he mentioned his responsibilities by saying, ‘We create and distribute films and TV programs that are unconventional. We aren’t hesitant to explore boundaries when it comes to content.’

A year on, Justin shared with Agoura Hills Patch the factors that propelled his shift from acting to production.

He acknowledged that he had appeared in two television series which were syndicated across more than 100 episodes, and this experience left him content as an actor. Feeling inspired, he decided to venture into the realm of production.

‘Many individuals seem perpetually on a quest for satisfaction, finding that no accomplishment is quite sufficient. However, I consider myself blessed with the path I’ve walked thus far.’

Speaking on the distinction between acting and production, he stated: ‘Each has its distinct qualities, yet I am relishing my current role and position.’

‘It’s a whole new level of stress. It’s a different kind of stress, but they’re both rewarding.’

Justin has two children with his wife Liza Almeida, whom he married in 2017.

Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey)

During the period from age eight to fourteen, Erik gained popularity by portraying the mischievous younger brother Dewey on screen.

Over the course of the series, the actor, now 33 years old, accumulated an impressive list of roles, which included parts in Joe Dirt, Wendigo, Unfaithful, The King of Queens, Finding Nemo, Christmas with the Kranks, and Come On Over.

In 2010 he also took on the voice role of Timmy in Twelve.

In more recent times, he’s largely stayed out of public view, absent from any television or movie appearances since the 2000s.

Among the primary characters, it is only Erik who won’t be making a comeback for the series’ revival on Disney+.

Instead, his role has been recast with actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark stepping in to fill the gap.

Instead of constantly being in the spotlight like his fellow actors, Erik opted for academic advancement and mostly kept a low profile.

I’m absolutely immersed in the world of Victorian literature right now, as I’m diligently working towards my graduate degree at a prestigious Massachusetts institution.

Even though Erik hasn’t been in the public eye for quite some time, his TV mother Jane shared some recent news about him last year.

In an interview with Malcolm France, Jane revealed that Erik was doing ‘very well.’

She mentioned that he has been thriving, as he devoted himself to Malcolm for a span of seven years, starting at the age of seven and concluding at fourteen. However, acting was never something that piqued his interest, according to her.

She added: ‘He goes to school at a very prestigious American university. He loves Charles Dickens.

He’s studying advanced courses on Victorian literature. I appreciate this because while many consider a career in entertainment as the epitome of success, it’s not for everyone.

Craig Lamar Traylor (Stevie)

For an impressive span of seven seasons, the character Craig portrayed Malcolm’s asthmatic, well-behaved friend Stevie, who was recognized by his labored breathing and good-natured demeanor.

Before he landed his leading part, Craig had small roles in television series like ER, and he also portrayed an unnamed kid in Matilda back in 1996.

After MITM ended, Craig took his career in a new direction.

Following his relocation to San Francisco, he transformed into a tattoo artist, a practitioner of spirituality, and a wire sculptor, specializing in crafting wearable artwork.

At the start of this year, he made a short comeback in his acting profession by accepting a small part in the science-thriller movie “Renner,” which had its debut in February.

By playing the part of a neighbor, he had the chance to reconnect with Frankie, the main character in the movie.

At the premiere, Craig expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the movie world and catching up with Frankie again when talking to MUSE TV.

He mentioned: “I haven’t been here for quite some time, so it’s great to return now and catch up with old friends and once more immerse myself in the world of art.

Spending our entire childhoods side by side with Frankie was my most cherished moment, as it brought back those memories.

In terms of his character, he noted: ‘I live in the apartment building and I’m quite the charismatic fellow. However, I can’t reveal too many details since my role seems to be crucial for how the story unfolds in the rest of the movie.’

It is currently unknown if he will appear in the MITM reboot.

Gary Anthony Williams (Abe)

Playing Stevie’s father and a close friend of the family was comedian and filmmaker, Gary.

On the set of MITM, I gained invaluable experience that paved the way for various acting opportunities. For instance, I landed roles like Judge Trudy’s Bailiff on Nickelodeon’s The Amanda Show and a spot on Television Network’s sketch comedy series, Blue Collar TV.

In 2009 and 2010, he provided the voice for Mongul, a villainous character, across several episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated series. Additionally, during this period, he also voiced Thunderball, another villain, in The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

He also worked on shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and American Dad! as a voice actor

Starting from 2013, Gary has been making appearances as a special performer on the CW’s reboot of the improv comedy series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”.

Gary is also co-founder of the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival.

David Anthony Higgins (Craig)

David was well-known for portraying the character of Craig, Louis’ coworker, who was both timid and a hopeless romantic with unreturned affections.

Prior to their roles in “Two and a Half Men,” David and his brothers Steve and Dave Gruber Allen were previously part of the comedy group called “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.

Following their success on the performance tour, they secured their self-titled TV series, “The Higgins Boys and Gruber,” which premiered on HBO’s Comedy Channel in 1989.

1994 saw David take on the role of vocal barista Joe, appearing alongside Ellen DeGeneres in the television series “Ellen.”

In 1994, David got cast as the talkative character Joe who was a barista, sharing screen time with Ellen DeGeneres in the sitcom titled “Ellen”.

Both sentences convey the same meaning but have slightly different structures and tones.

Following the conclusion of MITM, he secured the part of Mr. Bitters on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush and made guest appearances in three episodes of American Horror Story: Murder House, portraying the secondary character Stan.

In the second season of the CBS show Mike & Molly, he frequently appeared as character Harry. By season three, his role expanded, making him a permanent cast member.

David also briefly wrote and starred in his own show, International Ghost Investigators.

And what happened to Jamie?

Initially, the character of Malcolm’s youngest brother Jamie was portrayed by identical twins James and Lukas Rodriguez. However, these two actors have left show business.

Initially, someone else led the last four episodes of the season, but now it’s been announced that Anthony will be part of the main cast when the series is rebooted in 2025.

Following the conclusion of “MITM”, he subsequently secured parts in the film “A Score to Settle” featuring Nicolas Cage, as well as a Lifetime original production titled “Imperfect High”.

In addition, Anthony has been featured on television programs such as Tribal, Riverdale, Nancy Drew, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Wild Cards.

Most recently he appeared in CBS show Fire Country.

2025-04-23 16:47

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