Where is Erik Per Sullivan now? All about 'Malcolm in the Middle' actor's life as he turns down reboot
The reboot series 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair' is set to bring back the dysfunctional Wilkerson family to the small screen after 20 years. Fans were delighted to see the entire cast of the original series return for the four-part reboot special, which will release on April 10 on Disney+. However, one familiar face will be missing. Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in all seven seasons of the original Fox sitcom (2000-2006), won't be returning. Dewey is Hal and Lois's fourth child, who has a penchant for music but was often ignored by his parents and older siblings. Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will play the character in the upcoming series.
Per Sullivan is a native of Massachusetts, born on July 12, 1991. He left his burgeoning acting career to focus solely on his education and now leads a private life. His first acting credit was in 1999’s World War II drama 'The Cider House Rules,' which starred Tobey Maguire, Michael Caine, Charlize Theron, and J. K. Simmons, among others. He also guest-starred in 'Black of Life,' 'Wonderland,' and 'The King of Queens.' His last acting role was in the film 'Twelve,' alongside Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, and 50 Cent in 2010. Per Sullivan has not taken on any roles since then and has made a life for himself away from the Hollywood industry. In June 2025, Bryan Cranston, who played his father Hal Wilkerson in the series, told Dana Carvey and David Spade on the 'Fly on the Wall' podcast that his onscreen son is currently studying for his master’s degree at Harvard University.
Speaking about telling him about the reboot, Cranston said, "I talked to Erik, and I said, 'Hey, we got the show! It's going to come back.' He goes, 'Oh, that's fantastic!' And I go, 'Yeah, so we're looking forward to having you back.' He goes, 'Oh, no, no, I don't want to do it. But it's fantastic.'" The 'Breaking Bad' actor added that Per Sullivan had no plans of reprising his role in the hit sitcom. He recalled how the former actor reacted to being asked to return to the revival series, adding, "He said, 'Oh, God no. I haven't acted since I was 9 or something, so I'm not into it.'" Speaking to The Guardian in 2026, Jane Kaczmarek, who played his mother, added that Per Sullivan is now "studying Dickens and is an incredible student." She also revealed that he was reportedly offered a large sum of money to return to the fan-favorite show as Dewey, but he turned down the opportunity. However, fans can watch the rest of the cast in action when 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair' airs on April 10.
