
Malcolm In The Middle: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships
Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006) is an American sitcom created by Linwood Boomer for Fox, running for seven seasons (151 episodes). The single-camera comedy, without a laugh track, follows the dysfunctional Wilkerson family, led by child prodigy Malcolm.
Known for its irreverent humor and relatable depiction of a lower-middle-class family, it earned 33 Emmy nominations, seven wins, and seven Golden Globe nods. Filmed in Los Angeles, it averaged 6–15 million viewers per season, with an 8.2/10 IMDb rating.
Trending Now!!:
Its innovative format influenced shows like Modern Family and The Office. A four-episode Disney+ revival, Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, was filmed in 2025, featuring most of the original cast. Critics praised its sharp writing but noted occasional over-the-top gags.
Main Cast and Their Roles
Frankie Muniz as Malcolm Wilkerson
- Role: Malcolm, a genius with a 165 IQ, navigates family chaos and school pressures, often breaking the fourth wall. Muniz’s “charismatic” performance earned an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nods. Appeared in all 151 episodes.
- Net Worth: $30 million to $40 million
- Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
- Family: Born December 5, 1985, in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, to Denise (nurse) and Francisco Muniz III (restaurateur). Has one older sister, Cristina. Parents divorced; moved to Burbank with mother. Homeschooled from sixth grade.
- Relationships: Married to Paige Price since 2020 (eloped 2019); one son, Mauz Mosley Muniz (born 2021). Met at a 2016 celebrity event.
- Post-Show: Shifted to NASCAR racing (ARCA Menards Series, 2023; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 2025). Appeared in The Rookie (2021), Dancing with the Stars (2017), and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Australia (2024). Stars in 2025 revival. Suffered memory loss from a 2009 racing accident.
Jane Kaczmarek as Lois Wilkerson
- Role: Lois, the overbearing, intelligent matriarch, works at Lucky Aide pharmacy. Kaczmarek’s “fierce” performance earned seven Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods. Appeared in 151 episodes.
- Net Worth: $9 million
- Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
- Family: Born December 21, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Evelyn (teacher) and Edward Kaczmarek (defense worker). Has two brothers and a sister (names unreported).
- Relationships: Married to Bradley Whitford (1992–2010); three children: Frances (born 1997), George (born 1999), and Mary (born 2002). Single as of 2025.
- Post-Show: Voiced Red Jessica in Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2012–2016). Appeared in 6 Balloons (2018), Killing Eleanor (2020), Based on a True Story (2023), and Summer of ’69 (Hulu, 2025). Stars in 2025 revival.
Bryan Cranston as Hal Wilkerson
- Role: Hal, the goofy, loving patriarch, often embroiled in absurd antics. Cranston’s “hilarious” performance, including stunts like being covered in bees, earned critical acclaim. Appeared in 151 episodes.
- Net Worth: $40 million
- Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
- Family: Born March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, California, to Peggy (radio actress) and Joe Cranston (actor). Has two siblings, Kyle and Amy.
- Relationships: Married to Robin Dearden (actress) since 1989; one daughter, Taylor Dearden (actress, born 1993).
- Post-Show: Starred in The Infiltrator (2016), Asteroid City (2023), The Phoenician Scheme (2025). Won two Tony Awards (All the Way, 2014; Network, 2019). Produces 2025 revival.
Christopher Masterson as Francis Wilkerson
- Role: Francis, the rebellious eldest son, starts at Marlin Academy military school, later marrying Piama. Masterson’s “charismatic” performance included directing one episode (2006). Appeared in 118 episodes.
- Net Worth: $10 million.
- Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
- Family: Born January 22, 1980, in Long Island, New York, to Carol (manager) and Peter Masterson (insurance agent). Older brother of Danny Masterson; half-siblings Jordan, Alanna, and Will.
- Relationships: Married to Yolanda Pecoraro (actress) since 2019; one daughter, Chiara (born 2021).
- Post-Show: Acted in Beneath the Leaves (2019). Focuses on DJing; last acting credit in 2020. Stars in 2025 revival.
Justin Berfield as Reese Wilkerson
- Role: Reese, the dimwitted, troublemaking second-oldest brother, often bullies Malcolm and Dewey. Berfield’s “anarchic” performance was a comedic highlight. Appeared in 151 episodes.
- Net Worth: $10 million.
- Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
- Family: Born February 25, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, to Gail (actress) and Eric Berfield. Has one younger brother, Lorne.
- Relationships: Married to Liza Almeida since 2017; two children, including a daughter born 2020 (second child’s details private).
- Post-Show: Produced The Edge of Seventeen (2016), Limitless (2011), Bad Moms (2016). Retired from acting; focuses on production and family. Stars in 2025 revival.
Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey Wilkerson
- Role: Dewey, the quirky, intelligent youngest brother (until Jamie’s birth), often victimized but cunning. Sullivan’s “charming” performance resonated. Appeared in 151 episodes.
- Net Worth: $3 million to $5 million
- Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m).
- Family: Born July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Ann (Swedish-born) and Fred Sullivan (owns The Alamo restaurant). Only child.
- Relationships: Unknown
- Post-Show: Retired after Twelve (2010). Studying Victorian literature, pursuing a master’s at Harvard (per Cranston, 2025). No social media; absent from reunions and 2025 revival (replaced by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark).
James and Lukas Rodriguez as Jamie Wilkerson
- Role: Jamie, the fifth son, introduced in Season 4 as a baby. Minimal dialogue; played by twins. Appeared in 32 episodes.
- Net Worth: Unknown.
- Height: Unknown.
- Family: Born 1998.
- Relationships: Unknown.
- Post-Show: Attended 2012 reunion; no acting credits since Malcolm. Replaced by Anthony Timpano in 2025 revival.
Cloris Leachman as Ida Welker
- Role: Ida, Lois’ vengeful mother, a manipulative guest star (11 episodes). Leachman’s “iconic” performance earned an Emmy.
- Net Worth: $10 million.
- Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
- Family: Born April 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Cloris (homemaker) and Buck Leachman (business owner). Had one sister, Claiborne (died 2019). Died January 27, 2021 (natural causes).
- Relationships: Married to George Englund (1953–1979); five children: Adam, Bryan, George Jr., Morgan, and Dinah.
- Post-Show: Appeared in American Gods (2017), I Can Only Imagine (2018). Voiced roles in The Croods (2013).
Craig Lamar Traylor as Stevie Kenarban
- Role: Stevie, Malcolm’s wheelchair-using, asthmatic best friend with a dark sense of humor. Appeared in 40 episodes. Traylor’s “endearing” role was a fan favorite.
- Net Worth: $2 million.
- Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
- Family: Born March 19, 1989, in San Bernardino, California; family details private, no siblings reported.
- Relationships: Unknown.
- Post-Show: Acted in Forgiven This Gun4Hire (2021). Focuses on wire-wrapped jewelry and tattoo artistry; expressed interest in returning to acting.
Emy Coligado as Piama Tananahaakna
- Role: Piama, Francis’ strong-willed Alaskan wife, introduced in Season 3. Appeared in 28 episodes. Coligado’s “fiery” performance complemented Masterson.
- Net Worth: $4 million.
- Height: 5’1″ (1.55 m).
- Family: Born June 5, 1971, in Columbus, Ohio; family details private, no siblings reported.
- Relationships: Unknown.
- Post-Show: Appeared in The Changeling (2023), Based on a True Story (2023), Summer of ’69 (2025). Struggled to find consistent roles post-Malcolm.
David Anthony Higgins as Craig Feldspar
- Role: Craig, Lois’ childish, romantic co-worker at Lucky Aide. Appeared in 39 episodes. Higgins’ “memorable” performance added humor.
- Net Worth: $3 million.
- Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
- Family: Born December 9, 1961, in Des Moines, Iowa; has a brother, Steve (actor). Family details otherwise private.
- Relationships: Unknown
- Post-Show: Appeared in The Changeling (2023), The Simpsons (voice, Judge Constance Harm, ongoing), The Boroughs (Netflix, upcoming).
Additional Notes
Salaries: Muniz earned ~$30,000–$60,000 per episode (doubled in Season 7), Kaczmarek and Cranston ~$50,000–$75,000, Masterson, Berfield, and Sullivan ~$20,000–$30,000, and supporting actors (Traylor, Coligado, Higgins) ~$10,000–$15,000. Budget per episode was ~$2–$3 million, covering single-camera setups and practical effects (e.g., Hal’s paint stunt). Residuals from Hulu/Disney+ streaming add to earnings.
Impact and Legacy: Malcolm’s single-camera format and fourth-wall-breaking style set a template for sitcoms like Arrested Development. Its 8.2 IMDb rating and seven Emmy wins reflect its critical success. Fans on X call it “timeless,” though some critique its exaggerated plots. The 2025 revival, focusing on Malcolm and his daughter at Hal and Lois’ 40th anniversary, aims to recapture its chaotic charm.
Post-Show Careers: Muniz races full-time (NASCAR Xfinity Series, 2024). Kaczmarek focuses on theater and TV. Cranston’s Breaking Bad role elevated him to A-list status. Masterson DJs; Berfield produces. Sullivan is retired, studying at Harvard. Traylor crafts jewelry; Coligado and Higgins take supporting roles.
Cultural Influence: The show’s relatable depiction of family dysfunction and Malcolm’s asides resonated widely, inspiring WandaVision’s Episode 6 (2021). Its surname gag (“No last name” in finale) became iconic, with “Wilkerson” revealed in DVD inserts. Fans praise its “realistic” chaos, though some note uneven character arcs (e.g., Francis’ military school).
Revival Details: Announced December 2024, the Disney+ miniseries began filming April 2025, wrapping in May. Muniz, Kaczmarek, Cranston, Masterson, and Berfield return, with new cast: Kiana Madeira (Malcolm’s girlfriend Tristan), Keeley Karsten (Malcolm’s daughter Leah), Vaughan Murrae (sibling Kelly). Dewey is recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark.
Conclusion
Malcolm in the Middle’s ensemble, led by Muniz’s Malcolm and Kaczmarek’s Lois, delivered a groundbreaking sitcom with lasting impact. Net worths range from $2 million (Traylor) to $40 million (Cranston/Muniz), reflecting diverse paths from racing to academia. Personal lives, like Muniz’s marriage and Sullivan’s privacy, mirror the show’s eclectic cast. With its Emmy wins and 2025 revival, Malcolm remains a cultural touchstone, blending humor and heart.