Malcolm in the Middle mom tells why Dewey vanished from spotlight
Malcolm in the Middle mom tells why Dewey vanished from spotlight
For years, fans of the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle have wondered what happened to Erik Per Sullivan, the actor who portrayed Dewey. He was the quirky and endearing youngest brother in the chaotic Wilkerson family. The show, which aired from 2000 to 2006, became a cultural touchstone. Thus, launching its young cast into the limelight. However, unlike his co-stars, Sullivan seemingly disappeared from the public eye once the series concluded. Thus, sparking countless speculations and theories.
Finally, after years of silence, Jane Kaczmarek, who played Lois—the fierce and loving mother on the show—has shed light on Sullivan’s life post-Malcolm. In a recent interview with Malcolm France, a YouTube show dedicated to the beloved sitcom, Kaczmarek provided fans with a rare update on Sullivan. As a result, revealing that his absence from Hollywood was a conscious decision rather than a result of the industry’s unforgiving nature.
Jane Kaczmarek Speaks on Erik Per Sullivan aka Dewey
“He’s well, he’s very, very well,” Kaczmarek assured fans, addressing the long-standing curiosity about Sullivan’s whereabouts. She revealed that Sullivan, who started on Malcolm in the Middle at just seven years old and continued until he was 14, was never truly enamored with the acting profession. “He wasn’t interested in acting, at all,” Kaczmarek emphasized. Thus, explaining that the young star decided to pursue a different path once the show ended.
Erik Per Sullivan after Malcolm In The Middle
So, what has Erik Per Sullivan been up to since leaving the small screen behind? According to Kaczmarek, Sullivan has traded Hollywood for the hallowed halls of academia. He is currently attending a prestigious American university, where he’s fully immersed in his studies. “He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that he’s asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. He’s doing graduate work in Victorian literature,” Kaczmarek shared. As a result, pointing out Sullivan’s passion for education and literature.
Jane Kaczmarek on Erik Per Sullivan’s Academic Interests
The transition from a child star to a student of Victorian literature might seem unusual to some, but for Sullivan, it was the right move. Kaczmarek expressed admiration for his decision to step away from the spotlight and pursue his academic interests.
“I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world, it’s not for everyone,” she noted.
Thus, acknowledging the pressures and challenges that come with a career in Hollywood.
Kaczmarek’s Relationship With The Sullivan Family
Kaczmarek also touched on the fact that she has remained in touch with Sullivan and his family over the years, even though their interactions have become less frequent. “I’ve talked to him a few times since the show ended. I’ve talked to his parents a lot,” she mentioned.
Also, adding that during a recent visit to the city where he lives, she reconnected with his parents. However Sullivan himself was unable to attend.
Sullivan’s Decision To Leave Hollywood
Reflecting on Sullivan’s decision to leave acting behind, Kaczmarek expressed support for his choice to live a more private life. “Some actors or some people just got to do it when they were a kid and then they wanted to experience other things and kind of live a more normal life out of the spotlight. I think that’s what he wanted to do so good for him,” she concluded.
In an industry that often pressures young stars to maintain their fame at any cost, Erik Per Sullivan’s journey serves as a refreshing reminder that life beyond the camera can be just as fulfilling, if not more so. While fans may miss seeing Dewey’s antics on screen, they can take comfort in knowing that the actor behind the character is thriving in his own way, far from the glittering lights of Hollywood.
Source: NME