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‘People Go Down A Bad Path’: Why MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Star took a Break from Hollywood

Photo from Frankie Muniz’s Instagram

‘People Go Down A Bad Path’: Why MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE Star took a Break from Hollywood

By Movieguide® Contributor

MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE star Frankie Muniz recently shared why he left Hollywood after finding fame as a child actor playing Malcolm on the Emmy-winning show, which ran from 2000 until 2006.

“When I was on MALCOLM, I was just so excited to be working on a show. But also in that same sense, when the show ended, I kind of left the business for a little bit,” Muniz told Fox News Digital.

As he’s gotten older, Muniz is grateful for the time he took off and realizes why “so many people go down a bad path” that typically include drugs and alcohol.

“I think for a lot of people, it’s probably difficult to go from having such success at a young age where you always have people going like, ‘Oh, I love you,’ and everyone wanting you here and there. And then that starts to fade,” he explained.

“A lot of people try to replace the missing feeling of [being] wanted with something else. And that really is a negative for a lot of people,” Muniz continued. “Whereas for me, I’ve always been super focused on what I was currently doing because I wanted to be the best at whatever I was doing. And that’s how I am.”

When MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE wrapped in 2006 after seven seasons, 151 episodes, and seven Emmys, Muniz took a break from acting and turned his attention to his other passions.

“I started doing other things. I was racing cars. I joined a band. I was touring all over. I opened some businesses and I got to experience so many amazing things in my life, which now at this point has made me able to reflect and look back and be so appreciative of the experience,” he said.

After concluding his professional race car driving career in 2009, Muniz returned to Hollywood and eventually started a family. He and his wife, Paige Price, welcomed their first child in 2021.

Muniz also teased the potential return of his hit TV show.

“I didn’t really watch the show when it was on, but I’ve now since watched the show with my wife. We [watched] all 151 episodes… I realized, ‘Wow, that’s what we were making.’… I can separate myself from being on it and watching it as a fan. I would love to know what the family’s up to.”

According to Muniz, his MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE co-star Bryan Cranston “is really into the idea and he’s kind of heading writing the script and getting everything rolling. So, there might be something.”

“I would be down 100 percent,” he added. “But I don’t know—we’ll see what happens.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.