Back in the early 2000s, Frankie Muniz shocked fans when he announced plans to stop acting to pursue his other passions. At that time, it seemed like the actor was destined to be the next big Hollywood star. However, Muniz suddenly decided to take a different path. Instead of remaining in front of the cameras, he opted to go behind the wheel.
Muniz rose to fame after landing the titular role in the Emmy-winning family comedy Malcolm in the Middle (the producers thought the lead actor had to be younger, but they changed their minds after watching Muniz audition). Soon after, the actor also took on several other film and tv projects. At the height of his career though, Muniz thought of switching gears and became a professional racing driver. And while it looked like he was having a good time on the racetrack, the actor soon realized that he couldn’t go on racing any longer.
Frankie Muniz Decided To Race After Acting For Years
For most of his life, Muniz had been a working man. As an actor, he started booking roles back in the late 90s. Throughout his early years, Muniz appeared in films such as It Had to Be You, Dr. Dolittle 2, Big Fat Liar, and Stayed Alive. He even played the lead character in the Agent Cody Banks movies. Around the same time, Muniz also starred in Malcolm in the Middle. The show would go on for seven seasons. By the time it wrapped, Muniz knew he wanted a change in pace.
“I have had an incredible time these past eight years as an actor,” the actor told Autosport. “Having done little else but work since age 12, and with a passion for fast cars, professional race car driving is something that I am really excited to pursue.” In 2006, it was announced that Muniz had signed a two-year deal with Champ Car team Jensen Motorsport. The actor was also slated to race in the year’s Formula BMW USA Championship as he hoped to graduate to Champ Car Atlantic the following year. Muniz even had dreams of competing in the Champ Car World Series or Formula One.
Muniz signed with Jensen Motorsport after winning Toyota’s Pro-Celebrity race the previous year. And it seems, the performance was good enough to impress the team. “Frankie has performed extremely well in pre-season testing,” Eric Jensen, the team’s boss, even remarked. “He is quickly learning the multitude of skills required to be a competitive professional race car driver.”
In the end, Muniz would end up racing until 2011. Throughout his racing career, the actor would participate in as many as 53 races. He would also go on to complete four podium finishes, although Muniz never won a single race.
Here’s Why Frankie Muniz Quit Racing
Muniz may have enjoyed racing, but he soon came to learn that the sport is one of the most dangerous around. In fact, he suffered an accident that left him seriously injured. “I had a crash and broke my back and injured my hands and ribs,” Muniz revealed later on while participating on Dancing with the Stars. And although he had been doing better since the crash, the injuries continue to affect his health.
“I think we talk about my injuries every day because I have a creaky, old body. I’m 31 but feel like I have the creaky, old body of a 71-year-old,” Muniz admitted. “I’ve raced Indy cars, I’ve played every sport, I consider myself a pretty athletic person, but I’m so sore. I’m so dead.” At the same time, Muniz also revealed to Time that he’s suffered a “fair amount mini strokes.” One even occurred while he was riding his motorcycle. When this happened, he lost his vision in one. Muniz also recalled having problems speaking. “I couldn't say words,” he said while on Good Morning America. “I thought I was saying them!”
Since He Quit Racing, Frankie Muniz Has Been Acting Again
It seems Muniz wasted no time getting back to acting after making the decision to give up racing. In fact, in 2012, he appeared in series such as Last Man Standing and Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. Just a year later, Muniz also starred in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and Another Day in Paradise.
More recently, Muniz also voiced as himself in the DC series Harley Quinn. At the same time, he also appeared briefly in the Emmy-nominated crime drama The Rookie. Up next, Muniz will star the upcoming Western Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink 2.
Muniz may no longer be racing these days, but he’s got no regrets, not when he’s got a loving wife, Paige Price, and a son that the couple welcomed earlier this year. “I’ve been fortunate to do, like, all my dream jobs I’ve ever wanted,” the actor told People in another interview. “Actor, race car driver, drummer. I got to do all these great things and it’s because I have drive.”