Once a 2000s heartthrob, this now ‘bald’ star lost his memory

This actor first gained notoriety as a kid star and became well-known for playing Malcolm in the Middle.

With several nominations for awards, including one for a Golden Globe, he appeared to be in control of the world.

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Behind the scenes, though, the actor was dealing with health issues in addition to a hostile work atmosphere.

Early life and career

Frankie Muniz, a New Jersey native, started acting at an early age but became well-known for his seven-season, iconic role in Malcolm in the Middle.

Malcolm, a bright young man navigating life as the middle child in a chaotic household, was the subject of the sitcom. The actor received a lot of praise for his depiction of Malcolm, which featured his sharp humor and annoyance at his chaotic family life.

His performance was essential to the success of the show and earned him nominations for two Golden Globes in 2001 and 2002 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series.

He changed his focus and explored other interests when Malcolm in the Middle concluded in 2006, such as professional auto racing and drumming in multiple rock bands.

Later on, he continued to want to get back into acting and managed one of those bands. Nonetheless, Muniz disclosed the reason behind his absence from two episodes of the drama, even though he was the protagonist.

Toxic work environments and health issues

He disclosed that he left the set because of a poisonous work atmosphere. “I was so mortified by seeing people afraid to stand up for themselves,” he said, describing how some people on the set caused tension. This is according to News.com.au. It was his comment, “Say something.”

At the time, Muniz was considered “Hollywood’s most bankable teen,” making roughly $150,000 per episode. Even though he was wealthy, he decided to give acting a break and devote himself to other pursuits, including racing. In an interview with Steve-O’s podcast, he reflected on his choice and declared, “I’m so much of a happier person, having stepped away.”

When Muniz performed on Dancing With the Stars in 2017, he disclosed that he had had nine concussions over his life, the first one occurring when he was just seven years old.

He also talked about his experiences with mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which left him with severe memory loss. He was so bad at remembering things that he even forgot how it felt to get his first Emmy nomination in 2001. Muniz declared, “I’m 31, I’ve never touched a drug, I’ve never taken a drag off of a cigarette,” in spite of his health problems. I have only experienced tension.

Frankie Muniz in recent years

He made light of his evolving look in January 2020 by tweeting, “I was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2002.” I’m just sitting here in 2020, gazing at my balding head in the mirror.

Even with the playful message, Muniz’s situation was improving. He proposed to Paige Price in 2018 and they were married in 2020. Muniz stated, “No, my wedding day was literally the best day of my life,” in describing his wedding day.

Muniz and Price welcomed their first child in March 2021, and the actor expressed his happiness on social media.

In spite of his difficulties, Muniz is still regarded as a beloved character in 2024 and his reputation as a big 2000s celebrity endures.

How does one feel about Frankie Muniz? Did you enjoy watching Malcolm in the Middle? Share your opinions with us!