Malcolm in the Middle 'missing' star seen for first time in 18 years as they miss reboot

Former child star Erik Per Sullivan has been seen for the first time since he shunned Hollywood for a very different career path after starring in Malcom in the Middle

Malcom in the Middle star Erik Per Sullivan has been seen for the first time since turning his back on fame. The actor, who played Dewey in the beloved sitcom, shunned Hollywood for a very different career path.

It has been confirmed he will not reprise his role as part of the upcoming reboot - making him the only original star not to return. The show aired from 2000 to 2006, and is sensationally returning with filming set to begin in Vancouver in the next few weeks.

Malcom in the Middle, created by Linwood Boomer and based on his own life experiences, followed the chaotic lives of child prodigy Malcolm Wilkerson (played by Frankie Muniz ), his father Hal ( Bryan Cranston ) and his mother Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), along with his brothers Francis (Christopher Masterson), Reese (Justin Berfield), and Dewey (Erik).

The show's unique style often saw the title character breaking the fourth wall with commentary on his family's peculiar antics. Frankie, Bryan, and Jane will reprise their roles for the revival, along with Christopher and Justin returning as Malcolm's older brothers.

However, there will be a new actor taking on the role of younger brother Dewey, as Erik, who played the role at just seven years old, has since retired from acting.

Now aged 33, Erik has still kept out of the public eye. He famously vanished from the spotlight after his breakout role to pursue higher education.

Erik has since been spotted for the first time in 18 years as he stepped out in Boston. He attends a Massachusetts university where he is a graduate student studying Victorian literature.

In the new photos, Erik looked dapper as he ran errands in a grey jumper paired with green jeans. He kept warm in a grey baker boy hat, a brown coat and matching boots. Erik held onto a cup of coffee while in town, before he was seen carrying brown shopping bags at his home.

He is still recognisable as he flashed his iconic smile that captivated fans while he was on the show. Erik's hair is now much longer and a dark brown.

The child star hasn't interacted with fans in years, yet his on screen mum Jane Kaczmarek issued a rare update last year. She revealed he was doing "very well" while in a candid YouTube interview with Malcolm France.

She revealed: "He is well. He is very, very well. We did Malcolm for seven years, he started when he was seven, ended when he was 14, he wasn't interested in acting at all.

"He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that he has asked us all to be quiet about. He loves Charles Dickens, he is doing graduate work in Victorian literature."

"I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world and it's not for everybody," she further commented.

While working on Malcom in the Middle, he appeared in the festive film Christmas with the Kranks in 2004. His other credits include roles in Arthur and the Invisibles as well as Twelve. Erik reportedly stepped back from acting around the time of the latter film's release.

Asked about his former co-star six years ago, Malcom actor Frankie Muniz told Malcolm France: "To be honest, I don't know what he's up to." He added that he has spoken to him since the show ended.

Frankie suggested during the interview that some actors in the industry end up wanting to "experience other things" and "live a more normal life out of the spotlight".

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