A former Malcolm in the Middle star is stepping in to defend a longtime costar who has stayed away from the spotlight. As fresh attention builds around the show’s revival, Justin Berfield is making it clear that not everyone wants a comeback, and that choice deserves respect.
Justin Berfield wants paparazzi to leave Erik Per Sullivan alone
Justin Berfield is speaking out after renewed attention on Erik Per Sullivan, best known for playing Dewey on Malcolm in the Middle. During his appearance on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, Berfield said he feels bad seeing his former costar pulled back into headlines despite clearly stepping away from acting.
“I actually feel bad,” Berfield said, explaining that Sullivan has chosen a private life. He added, “He’s a good guy, and I love Eric,” before calling out the recent photos circulating online. “Just leave Eric alone,” he said, stressing that Sullivan never wanted to return for the reboot and there are “no hard feelings.”
According to Berfield, the production team tried multiple times to bring Sullivan back. “They asked him like four or five times, and every time he was like, ‘No,’” he shared. The reboot ultimately recast Dewey, with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark stepping into the role.
Sullivan’s decision wasn’t about money either. Costar Jane Kaczmarek revealed he turned down a strong offer, saying he’s now focused on academics. She described him as “an incredible student” studying Charles Dickens’ works and noted he simply said, “No thank you.”
The reboot, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, follows Frankie Muniz’s Malcolm as an adult with his own child, pulled back into family chaos by Hal and Lois, played by Bryan Cranston and Kaczmarek.
The original series ran for seven seasons from 2000 to 2006 and became a fan favorite for its chaotic humor and relatable family dynamics. It still holds strong ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its lasting appeal.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
