Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair - Erik Per Sullivan isn't returning as Dewey, here's why the actor was replaced

Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair is on its way, bringing back the actors who helped make the original show one of the more beloved comedy series of all time. However, Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed the role of Dewey, will not be reprising his role. Erik stepped away from acting career to pursue a more private life. The witty and clever Dewey will be portrayed by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark in the Hulu Disney+'s four-episode revival.

Malcolm in the Middle revolves around the genius Malcolm (played by Frankie Muniz) and his delightfully quirky family comprising, father, Hal Wilkerson (played by Bryan Cranston), mother, Lois (played by Jane Kaczmarek), and brothers Francis (played by Christopher Masterson), Reese (played by Justin Berfield), Dewey (played by Erik Per Sullivan) and Jamie (played by James and Lukas Rodriguez). The show had premiered on Fox 25 years ago and is set to return to the screen with a reunion special titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. However, Erik Per Sullivan isn't returning.

What happened to Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle?

Malcolm in the Middle gave fans some of the more memorable characters through its seven seasons run. And the one character that fans absolutely adored was Dewey Wilkerson. Dewey is Lois and Hal’s fourth child, known for quick wit and biting comebacks, which set him apart. His dry humor often stood out in the more chaotic situations the family found themselves in. He was often at odds with his older brothers Reese and Malcolm, with whom he had to share the room growing up. Having eccentric brothers, he is often neglected by his parents, who are too busy sorting out the elder siblings.

After his younger sibling Jamie is born, Dewey is seen caring for the little one. He also often displays his resourceful and creative side. Even though his elder brothers often subjected him to terrible pranks, he shared a strong bond with them. Malcolm in the Middle ended in May 2006 with the episode titled ‘Graduation’ in which Malcolm is getting ready to start out at Harvard, Reese becomes head janitor, Lois get pregnant, and Dewey and Jamie are following their brothers’ footsteps, creating havoc.

The family will be returning for Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair to celebrate Hal and Lois’ 40th wedding anniversary party, with a promise of more hilarious mayhem. As per Deadline, Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television said about the upcoming show,

“Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability…Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved, along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.”

Erik Per Sullivan isn't returning to Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair

Erik Per Sullivan portrayed the role of Dewey in the original run on Fox from 2000 to 2006. While all the original actors are set to reprise their roles on Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, Erik will not be returning as he has chosen to step away from Hollywood to lead a more private life.

Erik has shifted his focus to academics, opting for a life away from the spotlight. Bryan Cranston spoke on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s podcast Fly on the Wall about Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. As per The Hollywood Reporter, he said,

“I talked to Erik and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show! It’s gonna come back.’ He goes, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic!’ And I go, ‘Yeah, so we’re looking forward to having you back.’ He goes, ‘Oh, no, no, I don’t want to do it. But it’s fantastic that you are.”

He further added,

“He’s actually going to Harvard… He’s really, really smart, and I think he’s getting his master’s at Harvard right now. He said, ‘Oh God, no, I haven’t acted since I was nine or something. So I’m not into it.'”

Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will be taking on the role of Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. The actor has previously appeared in other projects including The Handmaid’s Tale, Fargo, The Expanse and Wynonna Earp.

Watch Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair on Hulu and Disney+ on April 10, 2026.

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