Erik Per Sullivan Biography: Spouse, Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Parents, TV Shows

Erik Per Sullivan is a former American actor best known for his role as Dewey Wilkerson, the quirky and clever younger brother in the hit Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006).

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Erik began acting at the age of five, landing roles in major films such as The Cider House Rules and Finding Nemo.

Profile

• Full Name: Erik Per Sullivan
• Stage Name: Erik Per Sullivan
• Born: July 12, 1991
• Age: 33 years old
• Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former Actor, Student
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Fred Sullivan, Ann Sullivan
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life & Education

Erik Per Sullivan was born on July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Fred Sullivan, a restaurant owner of Irish descent who runs The Alamo, a Mexican eatery, and Ann Sullivan, a Swedish native who became a U.S. citizen in 2007. His ethnicity is Caucasian, with Swedish and Irish roots, and he was raised in a Christian household.

Erik attended Milford Catholic Elementary School before moving to Mount Saint Charles Academy, a private Catholic school in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

He later transferred to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire for his junior year and graduated in 2009.

Erik then enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2009, where he studied theater until 2010.

After stepping away from acting, he focused on academics, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2013. Reports indicate he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Victorian literature at Harvard University, reflecting his passion for learning and intellectual growth.

Career

Erik Per Sullivan began acting at the age of five, with an uncredited role as a child with a toy rocket in Armageddon (1998).

His breakthrough came in 1999 when he played Fuzzy, a sickly orphan, in the Oscar-winning film The Cider House Rules, earning praise for his emotional performance alongside Michael Caine.

In 2000, Erik landed his iconic role as Dewey Wilkerson in Malcolm in the Middle, appearing in all 151 episodes until the show’s conclusion in 2006.

His portrayal of Dewey, the mischievous yet kind-hearted youngest brother, won over audiences and critics, evolving from a bullied kid to a cunning musical prodigy.

During the show, Erik took on other roles, including young Joe Dirt in the film Joe Dirt (2001), Miles in the horror film Wendigo (2001), and a supporting part in Unfaithful (2002) alongside Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

He voiced Sheldon the Seahorse in Finding Nemo (2003) and its video game tie-in, and played Spike Frohmeyer in Christmas with the Kranks (2004).

After Malcolm ended, Erik starred in the short drama Once Not Far from Home (2006) and took the lead role in Mo (2007), playing a boy with Marfan syndrome.

His final role was in the 2010 film Twelve. Erik retired from acting at 18 to focus on his studies and has since stayed out of the spotlight, declining to join Malcolm in the Middle cast reunions or the 2025 revival.

Social Media

His social media account can’t be found.

Personal Life

Erik Per Sullivan, 33, lives a private life away from Hollywood.

He stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and is known for his Swedish-Irish features, including light brown hair and blue eyes. Erik has never been married and has no children.

He was reportedly in a relationship with actress Daveigh Chase in 2009, but he is currently single. His hobbies include skiing, boogie boarding, building obstacle courses, playing paintball, and traveling, with frequent trips to Sweden to connect with his mother’s heritage.

Net Worth

Erik Per Sullivan’s estimated net worth is around $5 million.

His wealth primarily stems from his acting career, particularly his seven-year run on Malcolm in the Middle, as well as his roles in films such as The Cider House Rules, Finding Nemo, and Christmas with the Kranks.

Additional income may have come from voice work and minor endorsements. Since retiring in 2010, Erik has not pursued new acting projects, suggesting his focus has shifted to his studies and personal life.

Filmography

• Armageddon (1998) – Kid with Rocket Ship (uncredited)
• The Cider House Rules (1999) – Fuzzy
• Wonderland (2000) – Tucker Banger (TV series, 1 episode)
• Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006) – Dewey Wilkerson (TV series, 151 episodes)
• Joe Dirt (2001) – Young Joe Dirt
• Wendigo (2001) – Miles
• Unfaithful (2002) – Charlie Sumner
• The King of Queens (2002) – Young Arthur (TV series, 1 episode)
• Finding Nemo (2003) – Sheldon the Seahorse (voice)
• Christmas with the Kranks (2004) – Spike Frohmeyer
• Once Not Far from Home (2006) – The Little Boy
• Arthur and the Invisibles (2006) – Mino (voice)
• Mo (2007) – Mo
• Twelve (2010) – Timmy