“Malcolm in the Middle” star Frankie Muniz reached a somber conclusion regarding his family dynamics while shooting the Australian reality show “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!” in the middle of the jungle.
When one of Frankie’s campmates asked him about his days as a child actor, the 38-year-old came to the realization that his career came at a hefty price for his family.
Highlights
- Frankie Muniz expressed guilt for family sacrifices made for his career.
- The former child star believes his work in "Malcolm in the Middle" led to his parents' separation.
- Frankie discussed "impostor syndrome" and not feeling part of Hollywood.
“Malcolm took us out to LA. Me and my mom went, but my sister stayed with my dad in Northern Carolina,” he said.
“But my mom and dad ended up getting a divorce during that time. So, in that sense, it’s kind of sad to think about that it really did separate the family,” Frankie added as he became visibly emotional.
Image credits: Metro TV
Image credits: Metro TV
“It just hit me right now. It essentially was my career that separated our whole family. I don’t know how much positive it brought to the family. I wasn’t a part of the family since I was 11 because that’s when I left.”
The actor and racecar driver later expressed a feeling of guilt regarding the repercussions of his career as a young star.
He said: “I think my family made a million sacrifices to support my career. I’m excited to give them the recognition they deserve, and that maybe I was too selfish to give.”
At that moment, all the star wanted was to leave the South African jungle and thank his parents for the effort they made so he could pursue his passion for acting. “I can’t get out of here to tell them I appreciate them. I’m not sure I’ve ever said those words to them.”
Frankie began acting in the hit Fox sitcom when he was 11
Image credits: Ron Galella Collection
"I don’t know how much positive it brought to the family," he said of the show
Image credits: IMDB
Frankie began acting in the hit Fox sitcom when he was 11. His work in “Malcolm in the Middle” earned him an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations.
He also starred in “Deuces Wild,” “Big Fat Liar,” and “Agent Cody Banks.”
However, Frankie never got to fully enjoy his success, as he revealed he suffered “impostor syndrome” during his time in the spotlight.
“I never felt like I fully fit in the Hollywood world, even though I was in the world. I was nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, and I was going to all this stuff, and I was there, and I was like, how am I here?” he told News Australia.
"My family made a million sacrifices to support my career," Frankie added
The father-of-one disliked his celebrity status so much that he left the City of Angels to settle down in Arizona for a more tranquil lifestyle.
“I hated LA, so I kind of stayed in my own little world, my own little bubble. And moving to Arizona, I did it on a whim, and I realized immediately that I started looking up,” he explained.
“I started enjoying looking at trees and birds in the sky. Going to the grocery store was a fun thing. You don’t get that in LA. It’s a miserable experience.”
In 2008, Frankie put his acting career on hold to pursue a career in open-wheel racing. He was also the drummer of the indie rock band Kingsfoil between 2012 and 2014.
Bored Panda has contacted Frankie’s representatives for comment.
"Kids are never responsible for a breakup," someone wrote
