Erik Per Sullivan is best known for playing the role of Dewey, one of the younger brothers on the FOX TV show, Malcolm in the Middle (starring Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston), which went off the air fifteen years ago. The show ran from 2000 to 2006 and dominated television with its funny cast and lessons on family values. During this same time Sullivan acted in other roles, such as Christmas With The Kranks, Joe Dirt, Finding Nemo and more. He seemed to have a promising acting career ahead of him. However, his last acting credit was in 2010.
But like many other child stars, such as Angus T. Jones and Amanda Bynes, Erik Per Sullivan has fallen off the grid, not acted and basically disappeared from Hollywood.
What happened to the actor that made him quit acting? Here's how Eric Per Sullivan went from being a Malcolm in the Middle star to disappearing from Hollywood.
8 His Role On 'Malcolm In The Middle'
Sullivan played the youngest brother, Dewey, on the show, until the season four finale when the mother, Lois gave birth to her fifth son, Jamie. Dewey was eccentric and whimsical at times, being 5 years younger than his next oldest brother, Malcolm. Viewers first saw him as a six-year-old in first grade and by the end of the series, Dewey was in middle school and 12 years old.
7 Erik Per Sullivan's Acting Credits
Although Malcolm in the Middle was his most known role, Sullivan did star in a lot of other productions as a child. His first role was an uncredited one in Armageddon (1998). His breakthrough role was in The Cider House Rules (1999) and then, of course, Malcolm. From there, Sullivan went on to play Spike Frohmeyer in Christmas With The Kranks, Sheldon the seahorse, in Finding Nemo and other notable roles. His last film was in 2010, where he played a character called Timmy in the action movie, Twelve.
6 Awards He's Won
Being on one of the most popular shows of the 2000s, it's no surprise that Sullivan has been nominated for and won multiple awards. In 2000, he won the Young Stars Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast: Television for Malcolm in the Middle and went on to be nominated for multiple Teen Choice Awards and Young Artist Awards. However, the only other one he won was the Young Artist in 2003 for Best Ensemble In A TV Series (Comedy or Drama).
5 Why Erik Per Sullivan Quit Acting
There really is no definitive reason why Sullian quit acting. Maybe he just wanted to live a normal life since most of his childhood was taken up by movie and TV roles. He just wants to seem to live a very private life. Sullivan has also studied piano and alto saxophone, along with taekwondo, so he is keeping pretty busy with those activities.
4 His Life After Acting
After giving up his life in Hollywood, Sullivan attended the University of Southern California in 2009 and KD College for acting classes. However, it is unclear what he studied at USC. His Malcolm in the Middle co-star, Frankie Muniz tweeted in 2009 about him attending college and that they had recently spoke at the time.
3 Erik Per Sullivan's Current Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sullivan's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million in 2021, compared to his co-stars Muniz and Cranston, who are making upwards of $30 million, his net worth has decreased dramatically. He has earned most of his money through acting roles and his residuals from Malcolm in the Middle.
2 Where Is Erik Per Sullivan Today?
Not much is known about where the 30-year-old is today. He does appear to be single and post throwback photos on Instagram from time to time, however. Sullivan just seems to be living a normal life. Fans miss him on their screens, however and would love for him to return for a Malcolm in the Middle reunion or to acting in general.
1 Fans Still Talk About His Legacy As Dewey
Even after 15 years, Malcom in the Middle remains a trending topic in pop culture, and Erik Per Sullivan's role as Dewey is still high on many people's radars. Throughout Twitter, users compare themselves to his quirky and carefree persona, they reminisce on what life was like when he graced our screens and they long for more of Erik Per Sullivan and Dewey.