Malcolm in the Middlestar Frankie Muniz opens up about how co-star Bryan Cranston has continued to be a supportive and close person in his life, even 18 years after the series concluded. Airing from January 2000 to May 2006 across seven seasons, the sitcom focused on Muniz’s titular child prodigy, as he struggles with growing up amidst his dysfunctional family dynamics and their financial struggles amidst the typical awkwardness of growing up. InMalcolm in the Middle’s cast,Cranston portrayed Hal, the loving father of the family who often finds himself in over his head.
When speaking toThe Hollywood Reporter, Muniz shed light on how his relationships with hisMalcolm in the Middleco-stars have persisted beyond the production of the show. When speaking of Cranston, the star revealed thatthe actor had maintained contact with him regularly ever since the show concluded,and had been supportive throughout his other endeavors, stating he was an inspiration to how he’d hope to act in the industry:
He still reaches out to me every couple of weeks [to] check in on me. 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. [I started working with him] when I was 11, 12 years old.
Calling Cranston a “father figure”, Muniz then celebrated Cranston’s career since the show ended, praising his more recent roles and acclaimed projects and calling him “essentially like a Hollywood god” at this stage in his career. Check out the rest of what Muniz said about his and Cranston’s relationship below:
He really became like a father figure to me. 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.
What Malcolm In The Middle Meant For Cranston’s Career
It Laid The Foundation For His Most Iconic Role
While Cranston has played criminal masterminds such asBreaking Bad’s HeisenbergandYour Honor’s Judge Michael Desiato,Hal would seem like a far-cry from those more dramatic and intense roles. Though he often had his family’s best intentions in mind, theMalcolm in the Middlecharacter was quite often overwhelmed and easily sidetracked, with Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) acting as the stern and authoritative figure of the household. Despite this, Hal has a scarier side when he’s either focused or his loved ones are endangered, showing a side that is ruthless and laser-focused.
Bryan Cranston’s 10 Best Roles, Ranked
Bryan Cranston has undoubtedly mastered his craft, and these 10 roles perfectly exemplify his exceptional talent.
It is in these moments that audiences see a glimpse at the capable, scheming figure that Cranston would become known for throughBreaking Badand beyond. Between his later dramatic roles, his early voice-over roles, and his sitcom tenure inMalcolm in the Middle, Cranston’s career has offered him the opportunity to show his full range as an actor.
Our Thoughts On Muniz & Cranston’s Continued Bond After Malcolm In The Middle
The Actor Has Maintained Pleasant Relationships With Many Of His Co-Stars
Despite over a decade passing afterMalcolm in the Middle’s last episode aired, it is clear that the series still holds a special place in Cranston’s heart. Not only has he continued to be supportive towards his castmates and even reprised his role in analternateBreaking Badending, but has been a firm campaigner for reunion projects.
10 Hilarious Breaking Bad/Malcolm In The Middle Crossover Memes
Breaking Bad and Malcolm In The Middle may seem like totally different series, but, as these memes point out, they may share some things in common.
As such, it is unsurprising to hear that he has maintained a solid and caring relationship with hisMalcolm in the Middleco-stars. Much like his continued professional and personal relationship withBreaking Badco-star Aaron Paul, his bond with Muniz does show that he remains a passionate contributor to those he works with.
Malcolm in the Middle
Cast
Malcolm in the Middle tells the story of an average dysfunctional American family. When Malcolm, one of four children, learns that he possesses a genius-level intellect, his whole young world is turned upside down. Still desperately trying to fit in with his friends and family despite his extraordinary gifts, Malcolm finds that though his life might have changed, it’s still just as chaotic as ever.
