Erik Per Sullivan during Fox Television 2002-2003 Upfront Party in New York City.
Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage
Erik Per Sullivan will not reprise his role as Dewey in the revival of Malcolm in the Middle.
Known for his comedic and musical talent, Sullivan played the second youngest Wilkerson son in the popular Fox sitcom from 2000 to 2006. For nearly two decades, he has maintained a low profile away from the entertainment industry.
In June 2025, Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Hal Wilkerson, revealed on the Fly on the Wall podcast that Sullivan is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard while a four-episode revival of Malcolm is set to air on Disney+.
Cranston shared that Sullivan is not interested in returning to his character. “I reached out to Erik and told him about the show’s comeback. He was excited, but said, ‘I don’t want to do it,'” Cranston disclosed.
Jane Kaczmarek, who played Lois, backed up Cranston’s statements in April 2026, noting that Sullivan has an impressive academic focus, turning down significant offers to reprise his role.
About Erik Per Sullivan
Sullivan, a former American actor born on July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, first gained recognition in the 1999 film The Cider House Rules. He starred in the pilot of the short-lived ABC medical drama Wonderland before his iconic role in Malcolm in the Middle.
Sullivan’s Role in Malcolm in the Middle
In the show, Sullivan portrayed the clever and musically inclined Dewey Wilkerson. His performance spanned all seven seasons of the series, totaling 151 episodes from 2000 to 2006.
Post-Malcolm Career
While on the sitcom, Sullivan acted in various films, including Joe Dirt (2001) and Finding Nemo (2003). His last credited role was in the 2010 film Twelve, starring 50 Cent and others. He then walked away from acting to concentrate on his education.
Return to Malcolm in the Middle Revival
Sullivan has not been part of any Malcolm reunions and will not be returning for the revival, which is set to feature Caleb Ellsworth-Clark as Dewey. Despite not acting anymore, Cranston noted that Sullivan appreciates the revival’s success and is focused on his studies at Harvard.
Current Life of Erik Per Sullivan
Living a private life, Sullivan received the James Joyce Award in 2007 and attended events like the premiere of Arthur and the Invisibles. After leaving Hollywood in 2010, he briefly enrolled at the University of Southern California. Recent sightings in Boston showed him leading a quiet life while pursuing his academic interests.
Kaczmarek’s Thoughts on Sullivan
Jane Kaczmarek expressed her admiration for Sullivan’s decision to move away from acting to focus on education, stating, “Not everyone finds fulfillment in show business.” She emphasized that he has turned down significant offers to reprise his role as Dewey, demonstrating his dedication to his studies.
