Nearly two decades after Malcolm in the Middle wrapped, Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston are still as close as ever.
In a recent interview, Frankie opened up about his enduring relationship with Bryan, who played his TV dad on the beloved Fox sitcom that ran from 2000 to 2006. While their on-screen family antics may be long over, the bond between the two has only grown stronger.
“He still reaches out to me every couple of weeks [to] check in on me,” Frankie shared during the interview, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “He really cares about what I’m doing, comes to the races, if my band was playing, came to shows. I mean, he’s such an inspiration, and like I said, that’s what I strive to be that for someone else in the future.”
Frankie, who has transitioned from Hollywood to the fast-paced world of NASCAR, explained just how much Bryan’s support has meant to him over the years.
“He really became like a father figure to me,” Frankie added. “And then even still to this day, you know, he’s essentially like a Hollywood god at this point. You know what I mean? Like he’s done incredible films, incredible shows, won tons of awards. Like he’s literally It.”
Bryan Cranston has certainly cemented his place in Hollywood history with award-winning performances in projects like Breaking Bad. Despite his success, it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten the relationships he built during his early career.
For Frankie, the connection with Bryan seems to be a source of inspiration as he carves out his path away from acting. After stepping away from Hollywood, Frankie shifted gears—literally. In 2025, he’ll be racing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under a contract with Reaume Brothers Racing.
While many fans fondly remember Frankie for his portrayal of Malcolm, it’s clear his time on the show continues to impact his life in meaningful ways. The lessons learned and bonds formed during his sitcom days have followed him into his current career and beyond.
