15 Pop Culture Nuggets About ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Star Frankie Muniz on his 40th Birthday
For anyone who watched Malcolm in the Middle during its initial run, prepare to feel old. Frankie Muniz, who played Malcolm on the show, turns 40 on December 5, 2025. While Muniz has mostly given up acting after the end of Malcolm in the Middle — pursuing a career in racing instead — he will return to the role in 2026 for a relaunch of the series. Before that, though, it’s time for us aging millennials to slip on our reading glasses and check out these trivia tidbits all about Muniz and Malcolm in the Middle.
You’re Not So Big
Frankie Muniz’ full name is Francisco Muniz IV. He was born in Wood-Ridge in northern New Jersey on December 5, 1985.
You’re Not the Boss of Me Now
Malcolm in the Middle debuted on January 9, 2000 and lasted for seven seasons, concluding on May 14, 2006.The creation of television veteran Linwood Boomer, Malcolm is credited with blazing a new trail from multi-camera to single-camera shots.
Life is Unfair
In a recent interview, Muniz expressed some frustration with playing Malcolm, saying that, while all of the other characters on Malcolm in the Middle were all funny “in their own unique way,” Malcolm, however, “was always just angry and frustrated.” Muniz also said Malcolm was a “naysayer” who thought “everybody was out to get him.”
‘Malcolm in the Middle’ in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middle filmed on the CBS-Radford lot in Los Angeles alongside contemporaries like The Bernie Mac Show, Will & Grace, Just Shoot Me, Spin City, That 70s Show and Grounded for Life.
Tiny Tim in the Middle
Muniz’s older sister actually was interested in acting before him. She auditioned for a play and Frankie decided to tag along and audition as well. He ended up being cast as Tiny Tim in a stage production of A Christmas Carol.
All That and a Bag of ‘CHiPs’
In an early interview for Malcolm in the Middle, a 14-year-old Frankie Muniz told Conan O’Brien that his favorite show was the 1970s cop drama CHiPs. He even had CHiPs action figures.
The Frankie and the Furious
In a glimpse of his future racing career, 16-year-old Muniz’s first car was the modified 1995 white Volkswagen Jetta that was actually used in The Fast and the Furious. At the time, his mother made him disconnect the nitrous tank.
Malcolm’s Love Life
When Muniz was 16, Malcolm had a girlfriend on Malcolm in the Middle played by Reagan Dale Neis, who was 26 at the time.
Not Just Malcolm’s Dad
Muniz remained very good friends with Bryan Cranston after Malcolm in the Middle. “Bryan is honestly the greatest human I’ve ever met,” Muniz told Conan O’Brien in 2017.
Blue Muniz Group
Muniz told Conan O’Brien that, besides acting, he had four back-up plans at age 14, . “One, is to own the L.A. Clippers,” Muniz began, “Two: be in the PGA tour.” He also said he wanted to be a Blue Man in Blue Man Group or a geographer.
Macho Muniz
In 2003, Muniz starred in the secret agent children’s film Agent Cody Banks. Muniz had to bulk up for the part, telling Conan O’Brien that he gained 25 pounds of muscle to play the junior CIA Agent.
Frankie & Andy
He once played young Andy Dick on The Andy Dick Show.
Not Really in the Middle
Muniz was about 14 years old when he began playing Malcolm, though Malcolm was about 10 or 11 years old. Muniz is actually more than two months older than Justin Berfield, who played his older brother, Reese.
Malcolm vs. Will
Malcolm in the Middle was nominated for 33 Emmys during its run, winning seven. In 2001, Muniz was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, though he lost to Eric McCormack from Will & Grace.
What to Expect from the Reboot
The 2026 Malcolm in the Middle reboot will air on Disney+ with the title Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair. It will be just four episodes long. Speaking on the reboot, Muniz recently said, “I think people are going to love getting just to catch up with the family, even if it's brief.”