Erik Per Sullivan rose to fame as Dewey in the popular sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" as he was one of the fans' favorite characters on the show. However, he hasn't been in the spotlight for several years.
"Malcolm in the Middle" was one of the most hilarious and popular family shows of the early 2000s. The show focused on the lives of a dysfunctional lower-middle-class family, with Frankie Muniz taking the lead role as Malcolm, the family's genius.
Malcolm's dad Hal was played by Brian Cranston, his mom Lois by Jane Kaczmarek, and his brothers, Francis, played by Christopher Masterson, Reese, played by Justin Berfield, and Dewey, played by Erik Per Sullivan.
Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan, Bryan Cranston, Linwood Boomer, Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, and Christopher Kennedy Masterson at the "Malcolm In the Middle" 100th Episode Bowling Party on February 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
The show lasted six years and won over 40 awards with seven seasons and over 150 episodes. Over two decades after it first aired, most of the cast has had various successful careers.
Since "Malcolm in the Middle" aired, Cranston went on to star in "Breaking Bad," Muniz starred in "Agent Cody Banks," Kaczmarek has undoubtedly enjoyed a steady stream of work, Berfield starred in "Max Keeble's Big Move," and Masterson in "Scary Movie 2."
On the other hand, Sullivan became one of the most sought-after child actors and seeing as fans have not seen him in a while, they have constantly wondered what he has been doing. Here's what Sullivan has been up to since he played Dewey in "Malcolm in the Middle."
ERIK PER SULLIVAN WAS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE CHILD ACTORS OF THE EARLY 2000S
Before Sullivan joined the "Malcolm in the Middle" cast, he had made his movie debut in 1998 with an uncredited role in "Armageddon."
However, his breakthrough role came in 1999 when he starred in "The Cider House Rules." During his time as Dewey in "Malcolm in the Middle," Sullivan also starred in "Joe Dirt," "Wendigo," voiced Sheldon in "Finding Nemo," and also starred in "Christmas with the Kranks."
The actor, who plays piano and alto saxophone, has a first-degree black belt in tae kwon do and loves boogie board, skiing, building obstacle courses, traveling, and playing paintball games.
WHAT IS ERIK PER SULLIVAN NOW? IS HE STILL ACTING?
After "Malcolm in the Middle" ended, Sullivan took on fewer acting roles. However, in 2007, he starred in the family comedy "Mo," and his last on-screen appearance was in 2010 when he starred in the Joel Schumacher-directed movie "Twelve."
He went on to attend KD College for acting classes, and in 2009, he studied at the University of Southern California, although his course of study is unknown.
Erik Per Sullivan at the Boston's Oscar Night America on February 25, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
In 2008, fans asked Sullivan about the shows he loved to watch, and he revealed that he does not watch many shows except those sent to him for Emmy voting.
He also revealed that he had not taken a lot of acting roles because he was focused more on academics. Sullivan also said he had just switched schools, and being in the junior year was ridiculously hard.
Erik Per Sullivan at the premiere of "Arthur and the Invisibles" on January 7, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
When asked if he foresaw himself taking the plunge and moving to Hollywood, Sullivan said:
"I'm definitely going to do some more school before I decide what I want to do regarding 'the biz.'"
In June 2020, Sullivan took to his Instagram page to share that he had received the James Joyce Award, also known as the Honorary Fellowship of the Society, from the University College Dublin.
Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan at the Fox Television 2002-2003 Upfront Party on May 16, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
The Literary and Historical Society of University College Dublin bestows the award to persons who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields. It is unclear where Sullivan is now, but his legacy as the beloved Dewey in "Malcolm in the Middle" continues to live on.
Erik Sullivan was not the only actor to take a break from acting as his on-screen brother, played by Berfield, also quit acting not long after the show ended. However, Berfield switched to more behind-the-scenes roles and has worked as an executive producer on several reality TV shows.
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