Summary
Erik Per Sullivan, best known as Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle, was born on July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts. A gifted child actor, he rose to fame in the early 2000s with his lovable and quirky role on the hit sitcom. Before retiring from acting in 2010, he also appeared in films like Unfaithful, Christmas with the Kranks, and voiced a character in Finding Nemo. Standing 5'9", Erik is fluent in Swedish, plays multiple instruments, and holds a black belt in taekwondo. As of 2025, he’s 33 years old and lives a private life away from the public eye, with an estimated net worth of $3 million.
Remember Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle? That adorable, quirky little brother who always seemed to surprise you with his charm and wit? That was Erik Per Sullivan, and although he stepped away from the spotlight years ago, fans still wonder—where did he go, and what’s his story?
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and rediscover the life of Erik Per Sullivan—his beginnings, rise to fame, and life beyond the screen.
Early Life and Childhood
Erik Per Sullivan was born on July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. From the start, Erik was a bright and curious child. His early years were filled with creativity—whether it was playing instruments, speaking different languages, or performing. He seemed destined to shine.
How Old is Erik Per Sullivan?
As of 2025, Erik Per Sullivan is 33 years old. It’s hard to believe that the little Dewey we saw on TV has grown into adulthood. But like many former child stars, he chose a quieter life after his early fame.
Physical Appearance: Height and More
Erik may have been the smallest of the Malcolm brothers, but he grew up quite a bit. He stands around 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall, with light brown hair and hazel eyes. His youthful face is still recognizable, even though he’s stepped away from public view.
Family Background and Support
Erik is the only child of Fred Sullivan, who owns a Mexican restaurant in Massachusetts, and Ann Sullivan, who hails from Sweden. Thanks to his mother’s roots, Erik speaks Swedish fluently. His parents were always supportive of his acting, but they also emphasized education and balance.
Education and Interests
Outside of acting, Erik was academically inclined. He attended Mount Saint Charles Academy and later Phillips Exeter Academy, two prestigious schools. He also studied briefly at the University of Southern California (USC).
Beyond academics, Erik played the saxophone and piano, and even practiced taekwondo, earning a black belt. He was like a Swiss Army knife—multi-talented, adaptable, and always curious.
Start of Acting Career
Erik began acting at a very young age. His debut came in the 1999 film “The Cider House Rules”, where he played a minor but memorable role. That little start was like a spark—and it didn’t take long before the fire caught on.
Breakthrough with Malcolm in the Middle
Then came the big break—“Malcolm in the Middle” in 2000.
As Dewey, Erik played the youngest brother in a chaotic, hilarious family. His character was both lovable and surprising, often delivering lines that stole the scene. The show ran until 2006, and Erik appeared in nearly every episode, growing up before our eyes.
This role didn’t just make him a household name—it made him a fan favorite.
Other TV Shows and Film Roles
Though Malcolm in the Middle was his most iconic role, Erik also appeared in:
- “Joe Dirt” (2001)
- “Wendigo” (2001)
- “Unfaithful” (2002)
- “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004)
- Voice acting in “Finding Nemo” (2003) as Sheldon, a young seahorse
Each role showed that Erik wasn’t just Dewey—he had range, from comedy to thriller to animation.
Awards and Recognition
During his acting years, Erik received several honors:
- Young Artist Award for Malcolm in the Middle
- Nominations for Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series
- Shared awards with the cast for their ensemble performance
Though he never chased fame, the industry recognized his work and charm.
Life After Fame
After Malcolm in the Middle ended, Erik made a few appearances, the last being in the 2010 indie film “Twelve”, where he played the role of Timmy. Since then, he has stepped back completely from acting.
He didn’t do it with fanfare or headlines—he simply disappeared from Hollywood like a magician leaving the stage after his final trick.
Why Did Erik Per Sullivan Leave Acting?
There’s no official reason, but it’s believed that Erik wanted a normal life—education, privacy, and peace. Not every child actor dreams of staying in the limelight forever.
Imagine having lived a full career before turning 18. Wouldn’t you want to experience life without the constant cameras too?
Where is He Now?
As of 2025, Erik Per Sullivan remains out of the public eye. He doesn’t appear on social media, nor does he attend fan conventions or reunions. While some might find this mysterious, others admire his commitment to staying true to himself.
He’s a reminder that sometimes the best chapters are the ones lived off-screen.
Net Worth of Erik Per Sullivan
Despite leaving acting early, Erik did quite well financially. His estimated net worth is around $3 million, largely from his work on Malcolm in the Middle and other roles. He also did brand endorsements and appearances during his peak years.
Public Image and Personal Life
Known for being polite, respectful, and grounded, Erik never got caught up in the negative side of child stardom. He kept his personal life incredibly private—no dating scandals, no public controversies.
To fans, he’s still that clever, wide-eyed Dewey we all rooted for.
Legacy and Influence
Though his time in Hollywood was brief, Erik Per Sullivan left a lasting impact. Fans continue to binge-watch Malcolm in the Middle, and Dewey remains one of the most beloved sitcom characters of the early 2000s.
Erik’s story teaches us that sometimes, walking away at the right time is the most powerful move of all.
Also Read : Lewis Pullman – Age, Height, Family, Career, TV Shows, Awards, Net Worth
FAQs
1. Why did Erik Per Sullivan stop acting?
While he never gave a public reason, it’s widely believed he chose a quiet life focused on education and privacy.
2. What is Erik Per Sullivan doing now?
As of 2025, Erik is living a private life away from the entertainment industry. There’s no confirmed information on his current profession or location.
3. How old is Erik Per Sullivan today?
He is 33 years old as of 2025, having been born on July 12, 1991.
4. What is Erik Per Sullivan’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $3 million, primarily from his acting roles during the early 2000s.
5. Did Erik Per Sullivan act after Malcolm in the Middle?
Yes, he appeared in a few films and shows, including Unfaithful and Christmas with the Kranks, before retiring from acting in 2010.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment
