Former child star Frankie Muniz recently revealed the reason behind his absence in two episodes of the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Muniz, who portrayed the character Malcolm from 2000 to 2006, disclosed that he walked off the set due to tensions caused by the behavior of 'certain people.' He expressed his dismay at witnessing others being afraid to stand up for themselves and decided to take a stand, even if it meant not returning to the show.
While Muniz did not specify the individuals involved, his co-star noted that the show revolved around him, giving him a certain level of influence. Despite his temporary departure, the character of Malcolm appears in all 151 episodes of the series, with one episode utilizing archival footage.
Following his stint on Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz transitioned to a career as a racecar driver, stepping away from the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, he shared his reservations about his own child pursuing a career in show business, citing the industry's competitive nature and the prevalence of negative experiences among his peers.
Muniz described the entertainment industry as an 'ugly world' characterized by a high level of rejection. He emphasized the element of luck in achieving success as an actor, likening it to winning the lottery. Despite his positive experience on Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz highlighted the challenges faced by child actors, who are often selected based on their resemblance to on-screen family members.
In addition to his role in Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz starred in popular children's films such as Big Fat Liar and Agent Cody Banks. His candid reflections shed light on the complexities of navigating the entertainment industry, particularly for individuals who enter the spotlight at a young age.