Frankie Muniz is taking a look back at the emotional price of child stardom—and the sacrifices his family made to help him chase his dreams.
In a revealing chat on Michael Rosenbaum’s “Inside of You” podcast, the “Malcolm in the Middle” star shared his thoughts on the immense impact his career had on his family. While Muniz was just getting his big break, his parents were going through a divorce, leading to a split household. The young actor moved in with his mom in New Jersey, while his sister initially stayed with their dad. Soon after, they all found themselves shuffling around again when Muniz landed the role of Malcolm—the opportunity that would take them from New Jersey to Los Angeles.
“It actually makes me a little bit sad to realize that my mom and I, or me following my dream, affected every single member of my family,” Muniz confessed, reflecting on the upheaval his career caused. His sister ended up staying behind in New Jersey with their grandparents, a reality that Muniz says he hadn’t fully processed until recently.
“The fact that they were so willing to help out and do whatever they could do for us to be available to go where I needed to go… it’s a crazy thought, but it’s a realization I actually had this year,” Muniz explained. Looking back, he expressed both gratitude and sadness, acknowledging the sacrifices made so he could chase his dreams in Hollywood.
At the height of his fame, Muniz was one of the biggest teen stars of the early 2000s, earning an Emmy nomination and Golden Globe nods for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle.” He also frontlined popular films like “Big Fat Liar,” “Agent Cody Banks,” and “Racing Stripes.” But as much as his young career soared, it was built on the collective support and sacrifice of his family—something that took years for Muniz to fully appreciate.
“It made me really sad to think about the sacrifice that people made,” Muniz admitted, adding that he and his sister have since talked it out. Despite the challenges, Muniz remains grateful for their support. “I’m happy that I have people in my life like that, but it’s just a crazy thought that without that support, probably none of that happens.”
Muniz also took time to chat with Rosenbaum about his new career as a race car driver, and the often misunderstood dangers of the sport. He even opened up about the realities of what’s asked of child actors—something he knows all too well—and how he managed to mask the low points throughout his life.
As for “Malcolm in the Middle,” fans still hold out hope for a reunion, and Bryan Cranston—Muniz’s on-screen dad—has hinted he’s just as “thrilled at the prospect” of revisiting the beloved sitcom. So while Muniz is embracing new adventures and facing the past with a deeper understanding, it seems like the story of Malcolm might just have another chapter left in it.
