Heartbreaking Facts About The Cast Of Malcolm In The Middle
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This article includes references to sexual assault.
Between 2000 and 2006, audiences flocked to witness the chaotic antics of the family in "Malcolm in the Middle." This groundbreaking sitcom, known for its clever breaking of the fourth wall, continues to entertain fans nearly twenty years later, as they revisit the hilarious escapades of Frankie Muniz's lead character, along with his three brothers, parents, and eccentric friends.
It's been several years since the television series ended, leading many fans to wonder: Whatever happened to the cast of "Malcolm in the Middle"? While many of the actors went on to have somewhat successful careers, others faded into relative obscurity. What's more, almost all of the stars, as well as some of the supporting cast members, have endured unfortunate circumstances before the show, while filming, or after the beloved show wrapped.
The cast of this early 2000s classic has been marked by a series of heartbreaking stories, including Muniz's harrowing childhood as a star, Bryan Cranston's near-fatal incident while filming, and Erik Per Sullivan's mysterious exit from the public eye.
In the 1970s, Bryan Cranston found himself entangled in a murder investigation as a suspect.
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Bryan Cranston is perhaps best known for playing Hal, the goofy and loveable patriarch of the family on "Malcolm in the Middle." His performance over the course of seven seasons earned him a handful of Emmy nominations. But what you might not know about Cranston is that before he got his big break, he had a brush with the law that was closer in theme to "Breaking Bad" than his family-friendly forerunner.
While appearing as a guest during a February 2024 episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast "Dinner's on Me," he revealed that he had been a murder suspect over 20 years before his role on "Malcolm in the Middle." Cranston explained that he and his brother Kyle had been traveling the country when they decided to stop in Florida to earn a little extra cash. The two found jobs at a restaurant where the "cantankerous" chef Peter Wong hated everyone who worked there — and the feeling was mutual.
"We all pondered, if someone were to eliminate Peter Wong... how might that be accomplished?" the actor recounted, to which Ferguson humorously replied, "You're in a kitchen; there are countless ways to dispose of someone in there." However, the Cranston brothers were unaware that, after hitting the road again, a group of people completely unrelated to the restaurant had actually carried out the act, causing the brothers to be implicated in Wong's murder. "They issued an APB [all-points bulletin] for us to track us down." Luckily, the police apprehended the three offenders before the Cranston brothers could be summoned for interrogation.
Frankie Muniz's rise to fame led to a split between his parents.
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While Frankie Muniz did some acting here and there in the late '90s, he'd more or less exhausted his options while living in his home state of North Carolina. He and his mother Denise moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of the actor making it big as a child star, leaving his father and sister behind. During a January 2013 interview with Katie Couric, Denise explained the whirlwind that was her son's success: "We ended up not going back [to North Carolina] because they were like ... 'You can't leave, you can't leave, can you homeschool him?'"
While competing on the survival reality show "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" in 2024, Muniz spoke candidly about the impact fame had on his life. And more pointedly, how his success tore his family apart. "'My mom and dad ended up getting a divorce during that time," he said, teary-eyed. "It just hit me right now that essentially, it was my career that separated our whole family." Muniz explained that even today, he's not as close with his family as he was before he landed "Malcolm in the Middle." As he said, "I haven't been really a full part of the family since I was 11, because that's when I left."
During filming, Bryan Cranston had a close call with a dangerous stunt that nearly cost him his life.
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Whether he was strapped to a moving bus or had 60,000 bees on him at one time, Bryan Cranston was brave enough to perform many of his own stunts while working on "Malcolm in the Middle." During a January 2024 episode of "The Graham Norton Show," the actor joked that the writers of the sitcom struggled to come up with a plot point that required a stunt Cranston wouldn't do. "I did a thing where my character was in a depression and he started painting and I was completely covered in blue paint," Cranston explained to the talk show host.
"You know, that's similar to how the young woman in 'Goldfinger' met her demise," he remarked, alluding to the legend surrounding Bond girl Shirley Eaton's fate. Cranston elaborated on the perilous aspects of the scene, noting that "when your skin is entirely covered, your body struggles to regulate its temperature." At one moment, he described how the paint began to "disrupt the body's functions," necessitating that the crew rush him into the shower. Thankfully, Cranston emerged without any serious health problems, leading to the creation of a memorable episode of "Malcolm in the Middle."
As a child, Kyle Sullivan had a close association with an individual who was later revealed to be a pedophile.
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Kyle Sullivan's face was a familiar sight in more than a dozen television shows from the '90s to the early 2000s. One of his most notable roles before stepping away from acting was portraying Dabney Hooper on "Malcolm in the Middle," where he played the best friend of the main character during the show's initial seasons. In addition to this role, the young actor was also a staple on Nickelodeon's "All That," a sketch comedy series created by Dan Schneider.
Regrettably, it was disclosed in the 2024 docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" that numerous child actors featured in the skit show had significant interactions with Brian Peck. In 2004, the dialogue coach pleaded no contest to charges of molestation involving "All That" star Drake Bell.
Sullivan spoke about his odd interactions with Peck in "Quiet on Set," of which there were many, as the coach often threw parties for the young cast members at his house. At one of these gatherings, Sullivan discovered a painting by the infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy amongst Peck's belongings. "Brian actually developed a pen pal relationship with John. He kept this pile of letters and photos from John Wayne Gacy in his nightstand next to his bed," Sullivan explained.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Jane Kaczmarek had surgery to replace her hip.
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Jane Kaczmarek was already a well-known figure before she took on the role of the strict and demanding Lois in "Malcolm in the Middle." However, it was during this time that she encountered some of the most challenging years of her life. In 2002, she started to suffer from intense pain in her left hip, which became so debilitating that she began to avoid stairs and lengthy walks.
"I didn't want to accept that my physical symptoms, such as groin pain and trouble sleeping, were because of osteoarthritis in my hip," Kaczmarek told SheKnows in November 2011. She put off seeing a doctor for as long as she could, but the pain began to impact her work. "When I was taping 'Malcolm in the Middle' I even remember being on set and strategizing how I would move around, scoping out doorknobs and countertops to lean on."
In 2004, Kaczmarek underwent hip replacement surgery, and following her rehabilitation, she felt rejuvenated. She regarded the procedure as "one of the best choices [she] ever made," and when her right hip began to exhibit similar issues, she promptly opted for a replacement.
Justin Berfield has stepped away from his acting career.
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Similar to numerous child actors, Justin Berfield appeared to have stepped away from the limelight of acting soon after achieving stardom. Aside from a short appearance in a 2010 episode of "Sons of Tucson," the actor known for his role as the mischievous Reese in "Malcolm in the Middle" moved away from on-screen performances after the sitcom concluded. Instead, Berfield focused on the production side of the industry, founding his own company, J2TV, and partnering with Virgin Produced, the production company of Sir Richard Branson.
In speaking with Patch in February 2011, Berfield spoke about the highlight in his career, which led to his decision to transition out of acting. "I realized that I had been on two shows that syndicated to over 100 episodes, and that I felt fulfilled as an actor." Between 2005 and 2022, the former child star was attached to 10 projects as a producer, including "An Invisible Sign" and "Relatively Famous: Ranch Rules." While fans will undoubtedly miss Berfield's quick wit and teen angst from "Malcolm in the Middle," it's clear the producer still has more to offer the entertainment industry.
Jane Kaczmarek ended her 17-year marriage with her husband.
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Since "Malcolm in the Middle" ended, longtime viewers may have wondered about whatever happened to Jane Kaczmarek. Although she went on to have a successful career with recurring roles in shows like "Us & Them," "Playing House," and "The Simpsons," her love life tragically took a turn. After nearly two decades of marriage, Kaczmarek and "The West Wing" actor Bradley Whitford divorced.
During their nearly 17-year relationship, the famous duo had three children together and seemed like the perfect match until they filed for divorce in 2009. "I had a marriage that I thought was the best marriage I'd ever seen, and you grow apart, I guess," Kaczmarek told the Boston Herald in October 2010, shortly after her divorce was finalized. She added that both her and Whitford's jobs contributed to the demise of their relationship, saying, "That kind of steady work isn't conducive to marriage." Whitford later remarried, but his former spouse has sadly yet to call another man "the one."
Erik Per Sullivan has stepped away from the public eye.
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Like Jeff Cohen of "The Goonies" or Josh Saviano from "The Wonder Years," Erik Per Sullivan seems to have opted for a life away from show business. After starring as Dewey, the youngest and perhaps brightest brother on "Malcolm in the Middle" in over 150 episodes, the child star held a few more roles until he completely disappeared from the limelight in 2010. Per Sullivan has been spotted by fans only a handful of times since then, leading many to wonder what Dewey from "Malcolm in the Middle" looks like today, among other things.
Fortunately, the former actor seems to be doing well, at least according to his on-screen mother Jane Kaczmarek, with whom he's stayed in touch. During an April 2024 interview while attending the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, she gave fans an update on Per Sullivan. "He's well, he's very, very well," Kaczmarek shared. "He did 'Malcolm' for seven years, he started at 7 [years old], he ended at 14. He wasn't interested in acting, at all." She explained that Per Sullivan is attending a "very prestigious American university that he's asked us all to be quiet about" and that his focus has shifted to Victorian literature, rather than the spotlight.
Kenneth Mars passed away due to pancreatic cancer.
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In Seasons 4 and 5 of "Malcolm in the Middle," the legendary actor and comedian Kenneth Mars took on the role of Otto Mannkusser, the German proprietor of The Grotto and Francis' employer. While he gained fame for his performances in Mel Brooks' classics such as "Young Frankenstein" and "The Producers," as well as lending his voice to beloved projects like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Land Before Time," his brief appearance in the sitcom marked one of Mars' final recurring roles before he passed away in February 2011.
In speaking with Digitally Obsessed back in 2001, the comedian explained what it was like working in the field of comedy, outlining how it had always come naturally to him. "Either you know how to make something funny, or you don't," he explained. "Nobody can teach you a whole hell of a lot about it. It's just one of those things that somehow you got, or you don't got." Mars was 75 years old when he died at his home from pancreatic cancer in 2011, and the legendary actor was survived by his two daughters and six grandchildren.
Frankie Muniz has faced challenges with memory loss and experienced mini-strokes.
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While Frankie Muniz didn’t completely abandon his acting career following "Malcolm in the Middle," unlike his former co-stars Erik Per Sullivan and Justin Berfield, he did pause it to pursue a path in professional racing. In 2004, after competing in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Muniz secured a contract with Jensen Motorsport as a race car driver. Since that time, he has participated in numerous races, and in October 2024, he revealed his plans to join NASCAR on a full-time basis.
Unfortunately, his love for the dangerous sport has left some fans worried about Muniz, as he's faced some frightening health issues following a serious car crash in 2009. During an interview with People in October 2017, the actor revealed that he's experienced memory loss over the years, saying, "I don't really have memories of being on ['Malcolm in the Middle']." Muniz said he isn't sure whether his accident has contributed to this, adding, "Over the past 10 years, my mom will bring up things like trips we went on or big events and they are new stories to me."
Along with struggling to remember key events from his early career, the "Malcolm in the Middle" actor has endured "nine concussions and ... several mini-strokes." His first transient ischemic attack took place in 2012, and Muniz has since estimated that he has experienced around 15 of these episodes.
After joining a spiritual group, Craig Lamar Traylor found himself increasingly isolated.
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Sadly, Craig Lamar Traylor's filmography is short as he's had just seven roles throughout his 16-year long acting career. Although he had a minor part in 1996's "Matilda" and landed another role in the movie "Fred & Vinnie," he's best known for portraying Stevie Kenarban, Malcolm's one-lunged friend on "Malcolm in the Middle." After landing the role, a fifth-grade Traylor told the Los Angeles Times in February 2000 that his popularity had soared. "At school, I had a cramp because I signed so many autographs," he said.
During the 2000 interview, 10-year-old Traylor claimed he wanted to continue acting, become a gymnastics teacher, and then get a job as a brain surgeon. While the child star didn't continue his career in Hollywood for long, he did lean into creative pursuits and became an artist. In 2014, when he was just 25 years old, Traylor then reportedly joined a spiritual group that led to him become isolated from society — but fortunately, he left the group shortly after.
Frankie Muniz has experienced numerous unsuccessful relationships throughout his life.
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Frankie Muniz hasn't always had the best luck in his love life. In parallel to his on-screen character, who fawned over countless girls on "Malcolm in the Middle," the actor struggled to find his dream girl in real life, too. For instance, when they were still practically kids, Muniz dated fellow child star Hilary Duff, but a dispute with her mother reportedly led to the end of their relationship. Around this time, the actor was also rumored to have dated another top-billed star of the time, Amanda Bynes.
In the mid-2000s, Muniz became engaged for the first time to Jamie Gandy, but their relationship fell apart after a few years, likely because of his hectic racing commitments. His second engagement occurred in 2011 with Elycia Turnbow, who he had been dating for four years. However, their wedding plans never materialized. Just days before Muniz intended to propose, a domestic incident took place where Turnbow claimed in a police report that Muniz had threatened her with a gun. Unsurprisingly, their relationship quickly deteriorated following that event.
Fortunately, in 2016, Muniz finally connected with model Paige Price, and it's been happily ever after for the couple ever since. After dating for four years, they eloped in October 2019, and according to the actor, the wedding went better than he could've hoped. "It was the most magical thing we've ever done together," he told People in March 2020.
Christopher Masterson has not taken on any acting roles since his brother received his sentence.
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Francis, the rebellious eldest son on "Malcolm in the Middle" was played by Christopher Masterson. Together, he and his brother Danny Masterson made an unstoppable force, as the latter also starred on his own Fox sitcom, "That '70s Show." The former "Malcolm in the Middle" star even followed his older brother into the world of DJing, as he told A Drink With in August 2012: "My brother had been a DJ for a decade before I started, so I was exposed to it a lot and I messed with it when I was a teenager here and there." It took Masterson several years, but he eventually came out with his DJing alter ego DJ Chris Kennedy. "I started doing it and realized really quickly how much work that it takes to go out and play and not suck," he added.
However, those who have kept up with the news know that Danny found himself in a heap of trouble when numerous women came forward to accuse the older actor of rape. In September 2023, despite pleading not guilty, he was sentenced to 30 years to life for two counts of rape. Masterson hasn't had any projects debut since 2019. Similarly, he has kept a low profile and remained schtum on social media, as well, despite commenters going wild over the 2024 announcement that a "Malcolm in the Middle" revival was in the works.
